[New-Poetry] Best American poet: Seidel

[Bob Grumman]

Okay, I've now read the article.  I would term it a piece of moron litcrit--or standard NY Times literary criticism.  The author tells us Seidel may be America's best poet but fails to say why.  He quotes a few poems, but says little about them except what they are about.  It would seem that all that counts in poetry is whether or not you find its subject matter interesting and approve of its author's personality and attitude toward life.  Seidel has a good sense of humor.  Technique?  Well, Kirsch does mention the rhymes in one of Seidel's poems.  Does Seidel extend what poetry can do?  Whuhzat?  

He seems to me a competent enough poet, but nothing special.

--Bob G. 
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