Signal Reactions and Other Poems

The title of this book, Signal Reactions, refers to a general semantics (GS) term signifying an instant, unthinking, subjective response to a person, place, thing, or event. These responses rarely work out well but they are so instinctive it is hard to resist them. Delaying our reactions gives us time to think about what is going on in situations, which can help us to respond more effectively. Some examples of signal and delayed reactions can be seen in my poems " The Most Exasperated Person in America" (p. 93) and "Summer's End" (pp. 139-140).

Martin Levinson's poetry embraces the human condition at its fullest. He explores both the heart and the mind with a tremendous sense of music and imagery. His poems are both cerebral and deeply tender, the combination of which makes for a voice that is witty, charming and, even in the darkest moments of despair, filled with light.

 -Matthew Lippman, award-winning author of six poetry collections, recipient of the 2018 Levis Prize for Poetry