Aggregate of Disturbances [Paperback]

“Like the processes of the natural world which are the frequent object of her close observations, Michele Glazer’s poems build up complexity from seemingly simple things—an arm raising a fork, fairy shrimp transparent as desire, a dog's mouth full of feathers. ‘In the blind I am all eyes,’ and her gaze is clear and deep. This book’s elegies, unflinchingly focused on the body that is lost or being lost, remind us that we too are part of the natural world and subject to its inexorable laws, the first of which is death. Glazer wrests assumptions from the lightness of her words to look behind assumptions and open up words: ‘strangeness arranges itself around her.’ This book makes pattern and promise out of its accumulated agitations.”—Reginald Shepherd, author ofOtherhood

“Aggregate of Disturbancesis a stunning collection of meditations on language, landscape, and loss. Glazer is comfortable writing any kind of poem and moves easily between language poetry and metaphoric or narrative lyric modes. This is one of the most original and vibrant collections of poetry that I have read in a long while.”—Sheryl St. Germain, author ofSwamp Songs: The Making of an Unruly Woman

“Michele Glazer is a poet of rare integrity—integrity of mind, heart, and expression.Aggregate of Disturbancessprings from the inside of nuance and feeling. One senses at every turn how clear-eyed yet emotionally committed this writing is. At once dispassionate and tender, sexy, and edgy. A singular voice, killer diction, a tough mind, and a vulnerable heart. This is exceptional writing, of that striking quality that compels rereading and rewards it.”—Marvin Bell