In the pivotal poem "Marking Time," which appears almost exactly halfway through Peter Filkins's fourth collection of poetry, the speaker reflects on the death of a sibling and how time is marked by our memories. These memories, these moments-whether spent contemplating a painting by Vermeer or the simple toss of a bean bag-ultimately shape who we are. "Yet you are with me here, with me here again, / where neither that moon nor you exist, but live / tethered to this memory composed of words." These are poems unafraid to be graceful and engaging. They attain an assurance and stability rare in contemporary poetry, while their careful balance of sadness and joy reminds the reader of the difficult negotiations we make in life.

Book Information
ISBN 9781421406329
Author Peter Filkins
Format Paperback
Page Count 80
Imprint Johns Hopkins University Press
Publisher Johns Hopkins University Press
Weight(grams) 113g