Larry Levis (1946–1996)

Larry Levis is easily one of the greatest American poets in the second half of the twentieth century, right up there with Levine and Berryman, though as different in style and concern as those two poets are from each other. Levis uses language as a breathless conduit that runs through the land to the body and flows out into a panorama that wryly but bravely confront what it means to be alive and to be human. That explanation, the talk of poets addressing what is to be human and what it is to be alive, is a bit played out maybe. However, isn't that what great poetry does, whether it is very personal or very worldly? (and Levis at his best is able to transition seamlessly into the other and back again). He explores that in depth with weight but not without humor. These explorations get more involved with each collection, and his poems stylistically go from short to moderate phrases to phrases that stretch like the longest notes of a trumpet, questions and images literally taking our breath away as we read them. I can only justify my esteem for this work so much, and it also cheap and recycled from others. I implore you to get your eyes on the work itself and be impressed, hopefully moved, amazed as I am.… (altro)