Moonbird

Rumi, Moonbird : love poems provides a courtship display of rare distinction, combining a compelling uniqueness of voice with insistent imagery and profound sonic beauty. These pieces strut regally before us in sensuous thrall to physical love; but they also soar with all the grace and composure of devotional litera- ture, alert to each sacred updraught from the beloved. This is modern love poetry singing itself to strains of timelessness, its spirited flights of sensibility ever grounded in stillness. Admired for the vitality and innovation of his translations from classical and medieval love poetry (Catullus, Sappho, Hafez), Mario Petrucci here lights up language with the intensities of adoration across its many phases, from the pared crescents of near-word- lessness to consummation's full-rounded soul-song.