Future literary historians in these parts may one day talk about how Gilbert High School bred two poets. One found hi voice there again, another found it for the first time. The latter is Ray McManus, and his Punch exalts everyday work in the way that Philip Levine did.
This is an excellent book of poetry; Interspersed with some text poems, the majority of the work deals with the author's experiences in tree-cutting and growing up in rural South Carolina. The language is tight, even intense at times, yet full of emotion and imagery. One need not to have experienced what McManus has lived to appreciate this book. Like Philip Levine, Ray McManus finds poetry and satisfaction in daily work, which need not crush the spirit. I especially liked :How to Add a Porch to a Trailer", "The Blacksmith", and "Dog Box".
This is an excellent book of poetry; Interspersed with some text poems, the majority of the work deals with the author's experiences in tree-cutting and growing up in rural South Carolina. The language is tight, even intense at times, yet full of emotion and imagery. One need not to have experienced what McManus has lived to appreciate this book. Like Philip Levine, Ray McManus finds poetry and satisfaction in daily work, which need not crush the spirit. I especially liked :How to Add a Porch to a Trailer", "The Blacksmith", and "Dog Box".
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