Braided Creek

Braided Creek: A Conversation in Poetry (Copper Canyon), is comprised of brief poems written back and forth between aging pals Jim Harrison and Ted Kooser.

The two poets lived far from each other—”in Nebraska, Montana, Michigan, and on the U.S.-Mexico border” at the time of publication, we’re told—and after one of them received a cancer diagnosis, they resolved to stay in touch by exchanging brief poems approximating the genre of haiku. “This book is a rather avian triangulation of their brotherhood.”

We are not informed which poet wrote which poem, an intentional (and ingenious) choice. “Everyone gets tired of this continuing cult of the personality,” an unnamed member of our poetic duo is quoted as saying. “This book is an assertion in favor of poetry and against credentials.”

What a beautiful assertion it is. Beautiful and eagle-eyed, and wistful, and wise. And hilarious.