Three, Breathing (National Poetry Series)

Selected by Mary Ruefle for the National Poetry Series, this singular book transcends time and convention. S.A. Stepanek resurrects Whitman and Blake to weave a mantra of biblical, domestic, and political themes unified by repetition and manic religious energy.

I worship the Great Credulity laughing.
Golden leaves as lips, butterhands, dainty
veins in wings, liquid architectures,
rain.