The promise of hope new and selected poems 1964 2013

"The Promise of Hope: New and Selected Poems 1964-2013" is a collection of poetry written by American poet and activist Marge Piercy. The book is a comprehensive selection of Piercy's work, spanning over five decades, from her early days as a Beat poet to her later years as a celebrated and award-winning poet.

The book is divided into four sections, each representing a different period of Piercy's life and writing career. The first section, "Early Poems," includes works from the 1960s and 1970s, which reflect Piercy's early interest in social justice and her exploration of themes such as love, identity, and community.

The second section, "The 1980s and Beyond," features poems that reflect Piercy's growing interest in environmentalism, feminism, and spirituality. These poems often explore the intersection of personal and public life, and the ways in which individual experiences are shaped by larger social and political contexts.

The third section, "The 1990s and Beyond," includes poems that reflect Piercy's continued exploration of themes such as love, family, and community, as well as her growing interest in the natural world and the human relationship with the environment.

The final section, "New Poems," includes works written in the 2000s and 2010s, which reflect Piercy's ongoing exploration of themes such as aging, mortality, and the search for meaning and connection in a rapidly changing world.

Throughout the book, Piercy's poetry is characterized by its lyricism, its attention to the natural world, and its commitment to exploring the complexities of human experience. Her poems often blend elements of narrative, imagery, and symbolism to create rich and nuanced portraits of people, places, and experiences.

Some of the key themes and motifs that run throughout the book include:

• The power of love and relationships to transform and redeem us
• The importance of community and connection in our lives
• The need to confront and challenge systems of oppression and injustice
• The search for meaning and purpose in a rapidly changing world
• The beauty and wonder of the natural world, and our responsibility to protect and preserve it

Overall, "The Promise of Hope: New and Selected Poems 1964-2013" is a powerful and moving collection of poetry that showcases Marge Piercy's remarkable range and talent as a poet. It is a testament to her enduring commitment to exploring the complexities of human experience, and to her ongoing search for hope and meaning in a rapidly changing world.