I’m just
into David Cooke’s new collection, The
Metal Exchange, Littoral Press, easing into that familiar certainty of rhythm,
the even measure of his verse. A forward
to Neruda sets the tone. Then into the
metals, Silverado: Minted that ends so well, arm’s length appreciations of Brass
and Gold, the rare earths. At the finish
of Lead, pitch perfect, “dependable and grey” I put down the book a minute:
We’ve both
turned out this season in Littoral’s blue livery and David’s sent me a copy of
his book to mark the occasion. Thank
you! I would have sent him a copy of Smudge but I know, as editor of HighWindow and a prolific reader the last thing he needs is yet another book in
passing.
A recommendation though, David, just in case you haven’t read it, Primo Levi’s, The Periodic Table, is a superb collection of stories that open up a lovely, lively vein of elements, of base and precious metals. If Pablo hasn’t passed that way, you have, and are free to enjoy what else has been gleaned, reflecting on metals singing underfoot.
