asiegel's review
4.0
I read this collection for my thesis on reception of Vergil's Eclogues in 21st century poetry. The last two poems "Corydon & Alexis" and "Corydon & Alexis, Redux" take after Vergil the most, being Powell's own version of Eclogue 2. Most of the poems in this collection describe Powell's experience with the AIDS crisis and his experience with disease and love. The last two poems combine all of these themes together. More than this, though, Powell writes about what does and doesn't last and endure. Very relevant to today's world whose days, due to the dangers of climate change, are numbered. What lasts is the tradition of humanity, saved in texts like these.
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