REPLY FROM WILDERNESS ISLAND: Poems

By Peter Balakian From Library Journal: Balakian observes nature as keenly as a photographer, and the way he uses sensual language when describing it is skillful: "Retreating into the shallow water, waves breaking/ at shorter intervals now, folds of algae/grazing my anklesI bring the fish up, net him." Here, as in many poems, he tries to probe deeper into the moment rather than being a mere witness, finally transcending human experience altogether through use of history. The result is often arresting in its originality, though Balakian's lyrical gift does bring to mind the poems of Henry Taylor. Divided into three sections that work well together, this offers fine insights into the past. Lenard D. Moore, Wake Cty. Art Council, Raleigh, N.C. (Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.) The Sheep Meadow Press (1988)