This abundant volume of aphorisms, elegies, and pure celebration of nature, spirit, and incisive attention to the world outside and inside himself, gives Dillard the...

This abundant volume of aphorisms, elegies, and pure celebration of nature, spirit, and incisive attention to the world outside and inside himself, gives Dillard the chance to really enthrall. Poems such as these are to be read over and over. Jocular, honest, and completely in the art of its craft, these poems provide the reader a chance to witness and engage with his life - a rich amalgam of love, the ribald joy in desire, and the acceptance of his life as it has been lived, and as it grows even more.

There are few poets who come close to what Gavin Geoffrey Dillard has done here, in this unique and beautiful collection. Rumination - close to the work of Rumi and the spiritual poets - is its elementary ground, and the results of the observed life are to be taken not only as a guide to his deep perception, but also his innate ability for grace and gratitude. A stunning collection.

Philip F. Clark (THE CARNIVAL OF AFFECTION)

Dillard's poetry is best read at night, ideally with a rain shower drumming against the roof. Gavin drip drips reverence and irreverence, silliness and profundity onto page, but it's the authenticity that shines through and makes the work such a treat. There is something comforting in the reminder that, when we are at odds with a world in chaos, there is always peace to be found in the woods. Thoreau and Dillard would have been best of friends.

Ken Ilgunas (WALDEN ON WHEELS, TRESPASSING ACROSS AMERICA)

Author: Gavin G. Dillard
Publisher: Gavin Dillard Poetry Library & Archive
Published: 11/11/2025
Pages: 162
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.99lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.56d
ISBN: 9798999790903

About the Author
Dillard, Gavin G.: - Gavin Geoffrey Dillard bound his first collection of wisdom poems, couplets, and koans in 2nd grade. By his senior year, Gavin was flown to New York for the publishing of his first book, where he spent time under the auspices of Ian Young, Allan Ginsberg, Felice Picano, and other icons of the day. Dillard has published a dozen additional collections, two anthologies, and his infamous memoir, In The Flesh (undressing for success). Branded by the Los Angeles Times "The Naked Poet" for his in-the-buff poetry readings, his poems have been recorded by James Earl Jones, recited by Christopher Isherwood and Timothy Leary, and published in anthologies and periodicals worldwide.Gavin studied playwriting with Tom Eyen, Jerome Lawrence, and Robert Patrick. He has written comedy patter with and for Joan Rivers, Vincent Price, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton. With Peter Allen he wrote a theme song for the LA Olympics. He wrote book and lyrics for BARK! (the musical), which has played all over the Americas, and OMFG!!! (an iLove story), which premiered in San Francisco in 2014; Gavin has written themes and jingles for Disney, Ralph Edwards Studios, and Chanticleer.Two of Dillard's poems, set by Jake Heggie and recorded endlessly, were performed at Lincoln Center by Jennifer Larmore. Many classical art songs have ensued, and recently John de los Santos fashioned an opera entirely from Dillard's verse, composed by Clint Borzoni. Winning the prestigious Frontiers Award, When Adonis Calls premiered in 2015 at the Fort Worth Opera, followed by Opera America's "best new work" award in 2017, followed by a full production with the Asheville Lyric Opera in 2018. His collection, Notes from a Marriage, recently opened as a theatrical in London, and his "profane mass," The Wife of Lot (set by Maestro Borzoni), has yet to be staged. The poet lives with six cats and two bunnies on his small tea plantation in Black Mountain, NC.