title: The Weather of Words: Poetic Invention
author:  Mark Strand 
description: Followers of Strand's work will appreciate this eclectic selection of short critical essays, reminiscences, occasional pieces, and prose poems. A former Poet Laureate, Strand won the 1998 Pulitzer Prize in poetry for Blizzard of One. In his latest book, Strand uses his own writings and life experiences to explore the poetic process. To illustrate the power of great poetry, he also analyzes some of his favorite works by Archibald MacLeish, Wallace Stevens, and other major poets. Strand's remarks can be moving, as when he describes his late mother's disapproval of his decision to become a poet. At other times, he is slyly humorous. In a whimsical section on the art of translation, Strand imagines he is taking a bath when Jorge Luis Borges stumbles into the room to discuss theory. Recommended for all comprehensive literary collections.<br /><i>-Ellen Sullivan, Ferguson Lib., Stamford, CT </i><br />Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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  * * *
  
  # The Salt of the Earth
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ### George Gissing
  
  
  This page copyright © 2001 Munsey's.
  
  
  http://www.munseys.com
  
  
  
  
  
  Strong and silent the tide of Thames flowed upward, and over it swept the
  morning tide of humanity. Through white autumnal mist yellow sunbeams flitted
  from shore to shore. The dome, the spires, the river frontages slowly unveiled
  and brightened: there was hope of a fair day.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Not that it much concerned this throng of men and women hastening to their
  labour. From near and far,