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Average Customer Rating: 
Good Poems >
Customer Review #1:
 A Great Collection of Poems!
"Elizabeth Bishop was a woman, ditto Emily Dickinson, and she can take your head off with one line. . ." That is Garrison Keillors description of Ms. Dickinson as he debunks the term "Womens lit" as one of the dumb ideas of his generation in his brief introduction to this collection of "good" poems he has gleaned from his radio program "The Writers Almanac." T. S. Eliot he describes as a "great stuffed owl" who "didnt get out of the house much." Allen Ginsberg was "something of a gasbag" while Anne Sexton is a "hot number." Opinionated? Yes, but I find I agree with Mr. Keillor more times than I dont. I read this obviously honest and thouthful introduction three times and then called up friends who love poetry and read portions of it to them.Mr. Keillor includes a lot of poets here, many of whom I did not know previously. You guessed it. There are no Ginsberg or Eliot selections included. The criterion is that the poems should have "somehow stuck" with Keillor and with "some of the listeners." Keillor obviously is guided by the time restraints of his radio show since the poems must be short. (I do not believe for a moment that he does not care for Matthew Arnolds "Dover Beach," a poem probably too long to include here.)The anthology is short on 19th Century poets although Ms. Emily does take first place with eight selections.
Even though Mr. Keillor would not be happy with long-winded paise, suffice it to say that, as the Brits would, that this book is altogether "lovely." And, Mr. Keillor, you are one of those Americans who make me happy I live here. Didnt you say it best in one of your essays, something about seeing the firelights of other gentle people?
Good Poems >
Customer Review #2:
a library essential for the curious poetry-lover
this is a wonderful read of well-organized poetic gems. theres a poem to suit your every thought or mood, and it makes a great introduction to those poets with whom you may not be familiar. a great value, edited by one of the greatest storytellers of our time.
Good Poems >
Customer Review #3:
 The title says it all
Yes, the title speaks for itself. Collected here are good poems. Good, bland, middle-of-the-road conservative poems for people who like their poetry straighforward and unchallenging. I ordered this collection with great anticipation. I was sorely disappointed. Maybe it was the monotone droning of Keillors readings (I bought the audio CD) punctuated by one female authors breathy renditions. Maybe it was all the God-themed poems included for good measure. If Id done my homework on Keillors radio show I might have known better. I want poetry to rock me and give me goosebumps, especially when its spoken word. I never thought Bukowski, Moore, Bishop, Thomas, and their like would have their unique voices so efficiently muted. I gave this work three stars because, after all, it is full of good poems. If "good" is good enough for you, enjoy.
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