The Darkness Around Us is Deep: Selected Poems of William Stafford – An Award-Winning Poet's Works Chosen by Bestselling Author Robert Bly

Some readers don't like the Bly selection as much as the other selected versions that are available but I tend to prefer this version because of the intro that is provided in the beginning, the organization of the sections by headings and topics, and the general build of the book itself. This acts as a great introduction to Stafford's work as well as a book that one can read again and again every day of one's life. Stafford is a poet in the tradition of Frost in that he speaks on a very deep personal level while simultaneously speaking to the people and for the people. Also, if you are a Bly fan, too, then this collection is a double-win.

I admit I chose this collection primarily because I saw it contained "A Ritual to Read to Each Other", which is one of the most brilliant poems I've ever read. This book is full of such personal events, I can't help but be impressed at how much more it resonates with humanity because of that intimacy. I would obviously recommend this book, he's a fascinating man. If you enjoy authors like Robert Frost, I think Stafford is another step you should take.

Love it, love it. From the poems, introduction, writing helps, such an encouragement on many levels. Bought it used, such a deal, thanx.

William Stafford has an intimate voice. I felt he was talking to me personally and taking me with him to an interface with the beauty of the world but also with its hard realities. He speaks with an equally authoritative voice about family, war (he was a conscientious objector in WW2) place,(often Oregon) and about the predicament of being human. He has a sense of humour too. The poems are accessible but bear re-reading and reading the whole book begins to give us a big sky for which each poem is a star.

The book is easy to read and the print is larger than one usually finds. The poems are pensive, marked by a sadness or melancholy but they are not hopeless. I especially liked the section entitled: Mother's Voice and Father's Voice. While I do not know Stafford's parents, they seem well worn in his writings, ridged but loved with a wisdom that comes from hard times and living close to the land. The images and words chosen bring back memories of my own parents especially my mother, so much so that I became one with the writings. I realize poems are for those that need them and not only for those who write them. I would recommend this book to those of you who like strong feelings expressed in stark words. Donald J. Da Ros

William Stafford described his method of writing poetry as starting from any experience or thought and following it towards what is real. Listening to his poems, one feels one is being shown how to listen to oneself and to the world. Robert Bly did a nice job of organizing the poems. There is a great video that complements this book: "William Stafford and Robert Bly: A Literary Friendship." I highly recommend this book, though I think it may be changing my life. Risk it if you dare! Another Amazon.com reviewer of this book complained about the quality of the paper on which it was published. I had the opposite complaint about our country's largest environmental groups, who send their members slick, environmentally-destructive magazines--as though caring about the environment is an attitude that can be divorced from action. I am guessing that Stafford chose to have his books published in a manner that had the least impact on the environment. It would be nice to have Stafford's entire collection reprinted on acid-free paper, but I have no complaints about the physical condition of _The Darkness Around Us Is Deep_.

Having my own William Stafford book of poetry with an informative preface is wonderful! This book arrived in good condition for a used book, lightly read. Highly enjoyable read with lots of wisdom like "being awake"! AAAA++++ transaction.

One of the finest poets of our time, inspires me to write again, his work is so approachable

I like most of his work, so I'm biased. Timely and inspiring.

Very clear writing. I prefer something more obscure or adventurous in writing style. content a bit goody goody for me. I would heartily recommend it for people with spiritual leanings, and environmentalists. Sorry I can't remember the other questions