Arguments for Stillness

By Erik Campbell

Book Overview

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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1931896267
• ISBN13: 9781931896269
• Release Date: April 2006
• Publisher: Curbstone Press
• Length: 90 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.9" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

simply good poetry

With no gimmicks, no extravagances, and a candid and clever use of language, these poems are simply delicious to read.

honest poetry

This book of poetry speaks honestly and clearly from a strong person who has found a voice through his poetry. The poems speak simply but clearly to me. I am looking forward to reading more of his poetry in the future.

the value of silence in developing wholeness and a perspective on the world

Campbell's poems of direct and elliptical commendations for silence have touches of the Buddhist attribution to silence of a moral value and also a personal use for keeping one's mental senses and even enhancing one's emotional senses. Some of the poems in the last section titled "East" in fact mention Buddha. Campbell is from Nebraska, and is now in Indonesia working as a technical writer for an American mining company. But in his poems silence is more than a state for Buddhist contemplation. Silence is not a strategy or means for escape from the world or for shutting it out. Instead it is a kind of engagement with the world--as when the thoughts of the poet "alone in that hotel hot tub" in the poem titled "Epistemology" move with enhanced mental and emotional sense from his sleeping wife to their wedding, to his brother, and to historical religious figures. Silence not only yields keener memories and observations, but also leads to a particular perspective--in this poet's case, one that is recurring wry and occasionally humorous, showing that silence can be enlivening.

An enthusiastically written collection, brimming with energy and the vivacious need for expression

Arguments for Stillness is an anthology of free-verse poems that range in composition from vulgar curse words to pop culture, slices of everyday life, ancient history, and nods to allegorical references from classic literature and drama. An enthusiastically written collection, brimming with energy and the vivacious need for expression. "Smoking Is Not an Activity": He is a banished man for a time / Because he his wife hates cigarettes. // He tries to understand this as he sits / In the hallway's smoky exile feeling / Like Trotsky without an agenda.

A good poem is hard to find

Sit back, relax and enjoy well written poetry