Trying to catch up here on a back-log of new books that have come my way and would like to briefly mention two:

Skin Museum by Jane Joritz-Nakagawa. (Avaunt Books, 2006.) The poems remind me more than a little bit of Denise Riley’s work: edgy, language-oriented, with an encoded message.

Thought Colors by David Jaffin. Shearsman, 2007. Jaffin is surely one of the most prolific poets ever. This new collection weighs in at a hefty 352 pages. Jaffin wrote a note several months ago requesting that I help him achieve fame. This is all I can offer, David. Good luck with your agenda and every best wish, Jesse

I have more books laid away and when time presents itself I’ll comment.