Jahan Ramazani

Hmm, I suppose I'll update this as I read more, assuming I remember to, because I am obsessive like that.

Elizabeth Bishop - Well, "Crusoe in England" absolutely and unexpectedly broke my heart. I guess in general I like my poetry more blatantly angsty, though, and I'm not so much for the long and detailed descriptions.

Robert Lowell - Blah. I think his poetry got more tolerable as he aged, but I still don't care for it.

Dylan Thomas - I like him a lot. A little arcane, but really awesome imagery and gorgeous language. I suspect I may be a Romantic.

Philip Larkin - I also like him a lot! Which is funny, because he was writing in reaction to poets like Thomas. He's actually a very good technical writer, though, with a clear, strong voice. He often writes in blank verse, which I like. And I like the way he handles his subject matter - he's not an extremist.

James Dickey - He's okay. "The Sheep Child" is actually extremely awesome.

A.R. Ammons - Bores me.

Allen Ginsberg - Surprisingly, I kind of like him, particularly when he's being whimsical and sad. The beatnik search for transcendence doesn't really appeal to me, but he makes it interesting. I like "America" and "A Supermarket in California."… (altro)