Punks: New & Selected Poems
Back of the Book
A landmark collection of poetry by acclaimed fiction writer, translator, and MacArthur Fellow John Keene, Punks: New & Selected Poems is a generous treasury in seven sections that spans decades and includes previously unpublished and brand new work. With depth and breadth, Punks weaves together historic narratives of loss, lust, and love. The many voices that emerge in these poems--from historic Black personalities, both familial and famous, to the poet's friends and lovers in gay bars and bedrooms--form a cast of characters capable of addressing desire, oppression, AIDS, and grief through sorrowful songs that we sing as hard as we live. At home in countless poetic forms, Punks reconfirms John Keene as one of the most important voices in contemporary poetry.
We Love It Because
The idiosyncrasies presented in John Keen’s collection exist as omnipresent and boundless. The poems are utterly radiant, honest, and completely push the boundaries of what poetry can look like. Punks being a collection of poems from various projects over three decades embraces Keen’s curation. With a distinct style, the collection so beautifully holds space for the depth and power of language that overflows with grace and clarity.
Memorable Passage
Floss my throat
wash my feet then glower
kiss Curtis at 7:30
to shake him
feed Kitty
philosophical tenders
stroll the valley
of dearth to Journal Square
keep faith like a Benedictine
under the Hudson
About the Author
John Keene, born in 1965, is an acclaimed American writer, poet, and translator known for his innovative and intellectually rich contributions to literature. His work often engages with themes of identity, race, and history, challenging conventional narrative structures and pushing the boundaries of literary form. Keene's notable works include the novel Annotations and the short story collection Counternarratives, where he reimagines historical narratives from diverse perspectives. His writing is celebrated for its linguistic complexity, thought-provoking content, and commitment to exploring marginalized voices. Beyond his creative endeavors, Keene has also translated works by Afro-Brazilian writer Hilda Hilst and others, showcasing his dedication to cross-cultural literary exchange. Keene is worth knowing for his unique literary voice, his contributions to expanding the possibilities of storytelling, and his commitment to amplifying underrepresented narratives in the literary landscape.
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