Woods And Chalices

Inspired by Rimbaud and Ashbery, the Slovenian poet Tomaž Šalamun is now inspiring the younger generation of American poets—and Woods and Chalices will secure his place in the ranks of influential, experimental twenty-first-century writers. Šalamun’s strengths are on display here: innocence and obscenity, closely allied; a great historical reach; and questions, commands, and statements of identity that challenge all norms and yet seem uncannily familiar and right— “I’m molasses, don’t forget that.”

Coat of Arms

The wet sun stands on dark bricks.

Through the king’s mouth we see teeth.

He sews lips. The owl moves its head.

She’s tired, drowsy and black.

She doesn’t glow in gold like she’d have to.

This collection maps a landscape of surreal beauty and intellectual daring.
Experimental Forms: Where declarations like "I’m molasses" are treated with the same weight as profound historical observations.An Avant-Garde Legacy: Discover the work that continues the tradition of Rimbaud and Ashbery while forging a path for a new generation of American poets.Postmodern Vision: Experience a poetics where innocence and obscenity are closely allied, and every statement of identity challenges the norm.Masterful Translation: Presented in a clear and powerful English translation that captures the energy and complexity of the Slovenian original.