The World in Us Book

Twenty years ago, an anthology of poetry by openly gay and lesbian writers would have been uneven at best, and at worst an embarrassment. Even now, as the editors of this watershed volume attest, a number of our more accomplished poets (mostly of the "pre-Stonewall generation") decline to have their sexual identities made public, or their work associated with gay and lesbian culture. One hopes that their reluctance won't prevent them from reading The World in Us and being dazzled--or shamed--by the daring and eclectic work of these 46 living, midcareer writers who are actively producing queer-themed poetry. With such a wide variety of work included, there's something here for almost everyone, although aficionados of pop culture will be especially pleased, with poems devoted to David Cassidy (Dennis Cooper's "David Cassidy Then"), Marlo Thomas (Jeffrey Conway's "Marlo Thomas in Seven Parts and Epilogue"), and the glamorous Kennedys (Eileen Myles's "An American Poem"). Among the well-established poets here are Marilyn Hacker, David Trinidad, Rafael Campo, and Olga Broumas (represented by a somewhat eccentric selection), while a number of the novices included are young poets involved in the burgeoning spoken-word movement. Each of these writers offers a jolt or a caress, ample evidence of the richness of the poetry scene and the extravagant talents of queer writers. In particular, don't miss the work of Cyrus Cassell, Wayne Koestenbaum (author of The Queen's Throat), or Minnie Bruce Pratt. "We hardly need a place at anyone else's table," the editors note, "when our own dining room is full to bursting." --Regina Marler Read More