North of the Cities

Generally if you are in a bar holding a book of poetry, you catch odd glances, confused stares and the rare gasp of disbelief. That is not the case if you are in Duluth and carrying a copy of Louis Jenkins' new collection of 50 prose poems and a conversation with Garrison Keilor, North of the Cities ($15, Will o' the Wisp Books 2007).

It is the book equivalent of a cute puppy. Stangers will flock to ask you where you got it (here, of course)and will barely pause before recounting personal experiences with Mr. Jenkins and how he was one of the first poets that drew them into an adoration of poetry. So, like a puppy, but literary experiences in place of "ooooheshocutenowisnthe-whosagoodboy?!"

North of the Cities strengthens Jenkins' reputation as an important voice in the prose poem form and the art of understatement. Memory and the persistent need to identify our experiences drive many of the poems... not that Jenkins advocates falling into either of these traps. We take our "Big Brown Pills," contemplate what Art desires (to see a Twins game), and prepare for the black&white realities and hidden memories to strike. Jenkins aids our contemplation and preparation through crafted stories that remind us how very common, and delightful, the unexpected is in daily life.