When I was just getting familiar with contemporary poetry back in the day I was immediately attracted to the work of Alan Dugan. You know that feeling when you are traveling in a far-off land, maybe a little homesick, and you bump into someone from your hometown? His voice is welcoming and plainspoken, no-nonsense in many ways, but also elevated, violent and tragic. I recite this Dugan poem today to acknowledge the persistence of spring — and of war.
I enjoy reading the poems and prose I love out loud — no analysis, just the work. No critic in your ear. Let me know if you’d like to hear more.
In Which I Read 'Notes Toward a Spring Offensive' by Alan Dugan