I first read “Prophesy” in that treasure trove that is Dana Gioia’s 99 Poems, and it instantly became one of my favorites. I was immediately struck by the poem’s transcendence and sublimity, and it made a profound impression on me. I especially love the following stanza:
This is an excellent poem which not only engages beautifully with language and ideas, but also with those little mysteries and annunciations that so often lie, unseen and unheard, behind the incessant distractions of everyday life. An excellent reading also.
A lovely poem! Particularly the prayer at the end. Which really resonates. Like all the best poets and writers Dana makes it look so easy.
It’s always a good sign when one can open a collection like Gioia’s 99 Poems and randomly land on wonders like “Prophecy.”
I would without hesitation call Gioia’s 99 Poems the best poetry collection by a living poet.
It’s hard to overestimate the worth of such timeless work in our age.
I totally endorse those comments, David. They are undoubtedly well-deserved.
I agree, John.
I first read “Prophesy” in that treasure trove that is Dana Gioia’s 99 Poems, and it instantly became one of my favorites. I was immediately struck by the poem’s transcendence and sublimity, and it made a profound impression on me. I especially love the following stanza:
O Lord of indirection and ellipses,
ignore our prayers. Deliver us from distraction.
Slow our heartbeat to a cricket’s call.
This is an excellent poem which not only engages beautifully with language and ideas, but also with those little mysteries and annunciations that so often lie, unseen and unheard, behind the incessant distractions of everyday life. An excellent reading also.