The Book of Matthew

Resounding in this collection is the distinctive voice of Bluesman poet Matthew Welton, the heir apparent to Brautigan via Dylan, who makes tunes out of words. These poems give delight by means of the shape of the lines on the page, the feel of the words on the tongue, and the subtle noises they plant in the ear. With nods to Bob Dylan, country and western music, and the spirit of Brautigan, his work chronicles sex at the seaside and the murmur of urban blues. The book’s title poem spins 39 variations on sounds, images, and rhythms, creating a dazzling kaleidoscope of effects. His poem “Dozen,” included in the book, appears in this year’s Forward Anthology.