I enjoyed one of Mann's previous poetry collections, Bones Washed With Wine, and when I saw that he had a new collection out I had to have it!

Later: Interesting mix here, from explicitly erotic poems to quick sketches of commonplace scenes at the table or walking down the street. Some of the longer works go farther afield, like "Ghost and Vampire Tour, New Orleans". And the two-page "Kilts" contrasts a modern-day tryst with the ghosts of long-dead lovers-of-men among the ancient clans...

Another that I particularly liked was "Triptych", touching on three separate scenes from a trip or trips to Cambridge and to Paris, contrasting homoerotic sculpture with real-life lovers who, surprised together, "dress hurriedly, wondering what year it is here, worrying where the laws stand". And the last poem, "John's Apple Pie," is a sensual description of love and food, touching and tasting, and ends:

...For a few minutes,
here and there, it's all exactly as we want it -
peace and passion in perfect balance,
balance like blessing on the tongue.

Controlled release: I'm adding this book to RockBird's GLBTQ bookbox, which will be on its way to BCer ealasaidmae in WV tomorrow. Enjoy the books!

Sent to originalslicey as a RABCK in September of 2010 for her bookbox.

Yet another stalled bookbox that I still had all the books sitting on my bookshelf. Oops.

I'm not that into poetry, but this is a nice collection. The book cover definitely looks like erotica, so when you open it up and see poetry you're either disappointed or relieved. lol

Wanted to leave some LGBTQ themed books at gay bars around Kansas City. Decided to come to Westport and leave this book of poetry outside Bistro 303 as part of the June Pride Release Challenge