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Two Tables Over
Poetry
- GenresPoetry
78 pages
First published January 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 23, 2017
As the back cover states a review from World Literature Today , "A shrewd observer who sits two tables over at a coffeeshop is the guy we always fear in a crowd...the one who sees right into us." I thoroughly enjoyed the first section of the book with the "Portraits", poems showcasing tiny moments seen by a people-watcher in a coffee shop. There are moments of surprise, quiet contemplation, humor, and irony. (I also got to read them while I myself was in a coffee shop, my ears filled with the natural soundtrack of this setting. It was magical.)
The next section was titled "Puzzles, Places, and Problems", so instead of people the poet mused about other things from how we can all laugh at the ridiculous of Roswell but still be frightened about the unknown to cow tipping to Lazarus.
The third section, "Poems They Asked Me to Take Out," are a bit more liberal with ideas.
The last section of poems were more about poetry and poets themselves in "On poetry and the Art of Self-Absorption." I enjoyed that while these poems certainly showed the poet's passion for his art, the poet did not take himself too seriously.
The next section was titled "Puzzles, Places, and Problems", so instead of people the poet mused about other things from how we can all laugh at the ridiculous of Roswell but still be frightened about the unknown to cow tipping to Lazarus.
The third section, "Poems They Asked Me to Take Out," are a bit more liberal with ideas.
The last section of poems were more about poetry and poets themselves in "On poetry and the Art of Self-Absorption." I enjoyed that while these poems certainly showed the poet's passion for his art, the poet did not take himself too seriously.
October 5, 2020
I expected this book to be poems based on over heard conversations. Wow, was I wrong. These poems are about the art of people watching. With the onslaught of cell phones, people watching has not only died, but the phone heads are dying by not watching where they are going. Another issue these days about people watching is the crazies, who are not only easily offended, but tend to be carrying weapons. So, this book is to be savored and enjoyed. A poetic remnant of a more polite and aware time. All that and the sly humor of a poet who should be watched himself. A must have on your poetry shelf.
January 17, 2025
Nathan Brown's poetry in this book is from coffee shop observations of the intricacies of being human. He's a story teller with a good eye for detail, and honest enough to admit when first impressions have to be reevaluated when he's wrong, like the second poem in the book, "The Sign" where by the end he admits, "I have made a mistake." It's a small book, but not a quick read. Take your time. It's worth it.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
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