A book cover with the title of the book and an image of a bird hanging from a tree.

The Back Chamber, Donald Hall 2011

My favorite poet’s newest book touches on his main themes—family and the old NH farmhouse with its continuity from his grandparents in his childhood to his own fading octogenarian years there; his loss of Jane Kenyon and his search for sex, love, and companionship in her absence; writing poems and the loss of recognition and ability.  In short, aging, aging, aging!  Some wonderful pieces and references to prior work including his volume Poetry and Ambition in 1991 and his earlier works on Kurt Schwitters and baseball.  A wonderful volume by this 83 year old poet.