The poems in "The Downstairs Dance Floor" are inhabited by family survivors--a father and mother widowed early, who in a second marriage made the best of their losses; the only child of that marriage; a distant uncle who devoted his life to music; a widowed stepfather in his declining years; others who, when the time comes, look for meaning in living alone. The other main character in this collection is, of course, Death. Using old family photos, letters, and anecdotes from friends and family members, the poet tries to imagine the unsatisfied dreams of those no longer able to tell their own...
The poems in "The Downstairs Dance Floor" are inhabited by family survivors--a father and mother widowed early, who in a second marriage made the best...
Taylor Graham's poetry captures the life of an exceptional man of the nineteenth century. Elihu Burritt, born into a poor Connecticut family, was acclaimed "The Learned Blacksmith" by the Governor of Massachusetts when it was discovered he had mastered 50 foreign languages while working at the forge. Corresponding with Longfellow and others, Elihu Burritt became one of the most ardent peace activists in his century, helping organize international peace congresses, campaigning for a Congress of Nations, international law, and a World Court. Born nearly 200 years ago, he was well ahead of his...
Taylor Graham's poetry captures the life of an exceptional man of the nineteenth century. Elihu Burritt, born into a poor Connecticut family, was accl...
