A series of quiet, precise lyrics each with the title "iris" and dedicated to poets like John Weiners and John Clarke. The poems often recall the crafted devotions of some of Robin Blaser's work, another poet who is quoted significantly in the book. But these poems work best because the accuracy of their own insights is not overwhelmed by the writer's obvious admiration for this illustrious and varied influences--despite those influences (and very unlike a lot of recent poetry that seems to try to imitate greatness) the carefully sharp vision here is clearly Hammer's own.--Mark Wallace
This review originally appeared in TapRoot Reviews #5,
Contact the editor, luigi-bob drake, at Burning Press
Copyright Burning Press 1994, 1996.