Synopses & Reviews
Arguments for Stillness is a debut book of extraordinary accomplishment, a vivid examination of daily life filtered through a Buddhist consciousness. Campbell's concerns are wide ranging- from political injustice to the solace of nature and the comfort of love. In essence he is searching for balance in the center of quietness. These are clear, direct poems readily accessible, although they resonate with psychological and philosophical depth.
Arguments for Stillness, in short, is just that: a case for stillness and a lyrical exploration of contemplation in our world of frenetic motion; an examination and series of "arguments" for the quality and possibilities of stillness and reflection in spite and because of what Neil Postman referred to as our current "peek-a-boo world." The theme of the collection is perhaps best expressed in the last two lines from Campbell's poem, "Considering Metal Man (as a Template for World Peace)": "Look how he sits and stares, they say. Observe how // Nobody dies because of this."
Reminiscent of the work of Billy Collins, these are finely wrought poems-thoughtful, witty, precise-reflecting upon small farmers, hoboes, business, movies, books, and art. With an introduction by Nebraska State Poet William Kloefkorn.
Review
"
Arguments for Stillness by Erik Campbell is an argument for early recognition of a master-in-formation." --
The Indianapolis StarReview
"A truly excellent book of poems. Erik Campbell sings them with measured precision. His voice is one I look forward to hearing again—then again and again."—William Kloefkorn, Nebraska State Poet
Review
"Erik Campbell has given us a fast-paced, free-wheeling romp through world culture—from the Great Pyramids to the corner Kwik Shop, from Rilke to the Rolling Stones. Part brainiac, part class clown, Campbell is the consummate quick thinker, sifting meaning from the white noise of mass media, while wrestling with Aristotle and Neil Postman. In lesser hands, the result could be a dazzling mess, but these poems weave into an unexpectedly intricate bildungsroman, whose hero likes us and wants us to share his journey. With these poems as our guide, how can we resist? We like him, too; we're along for the ride."—Ted Genoways, editor, The Virginia Quarterly Review
Synopsis
Arguments for Stillness is a debut book of extraordinary accomplishment, a vivid examination of daily life filtered through a Buddhist consciousness. Campbell's concerns are wide ranging- from political injustice to the solace of nature and the comfort of love. In essence he is searching for balance in the center of quietness. These are clear, direct poems readily accessible, although they resonate with psychological and philosophical depth.
About the Author
Erik Campbell lives in Papua, Indonesia, working as a technical writer for an American mining company. His poems and essays have appeared in numerous prestigious literary magazines, including The Iowa Review, Tin House, The Massachusetts Review, The Virginia Quarterly Review, Nimrod, New Delta Review, and Rattle. He has been nominated for a 2005 Pushcart Prize in poetry.
Table of Contents
Foreword by William KloefkornPrologue: Considering Metal Man (as a Template for World Peace)
I Potential Energies
Hamlet: The Action Figure Series
Winchester Mansion
Consider What Passes for Kindness These Days
Headache
Nietzsche, Dancing
Herr Samsa, before Gregor's Death
Poem for Neil Postman
Heaven: A Definition
The Revolt
The Redemption of Tantalus
Waiting Room
The Fortunate Man
II Moments of Stasis
Epistemology
I Watched Frankenstein
How to Appreciate Art
The Man Kissed the Letter
Stopping for Cigarettes
Smoking is Not an Activity
The Subtle Again
The Golden Age of Good Times
Business Lunch
Poet and Audience
We Read the Newspaper
About the Type
Twelve Stanza Program
III Still Lives
Naming the Strange
Familiarity
Stronbox
Navigating the Dark
Arguments for Stillness
Ode
Lesson
She Discovered the Dictionary
After Candlelight (12:30 A.M.)
IV East
Cambodia
Nick Asks Do You Meditate, Leaving the Question Mark Off
Object Lesson
The Magic Mountain
At 6:15 in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Mysterious Farang
Dead Man's Wallet
Cat, Man, God
The Pharaoh Speaks
Epilogue: Considering Something Aristotle Said