Doug Holder, founder of the Ibbetson Street Press of Somerville, MA, is a well-known and well-loved figure on the New England literary landscape. His recent publication: The Essential Doug Holder: New & Selected Works  begins with a long introduction (not penned by him). Save this commentary for later, and go directly to the poems, which speak for themselves. And they have much to say, having urban appeal, specifically for Somerville, Boston and New York City, as well as broader and deeper universal appeal, expressed in Holder’s journalistic-like exposure of the essential humor, irony and pathos of the human condition.

The range of content is vast, presenting Holder’s new work and selected, previously-published pieces—offering a comprehensive and representative collection. A few examples of Holder’s singular style of stating, without rating, an experience will serve to convey the reader’s feeling of being transported directly into his subject without need for multiple literary devices. It’s as if Holder is not interested in artfulness (not that there’s anything wrong with that), so much as revealing what exists in and of itself, leaving interpretation and a sense of emotional dimension to be found in the tangible, palpable evidence of the five senses—in subways, ballparks, cafes, hospitals, delis, and in human relationships—the humor, compassion and reality of it all.

“Cambridge, MA: Two Old Women” – Two old women/walk down my street each morning…./A daily ritual/of decrepit defiance/walking the ground /that will own them./

“Au Bon Pain at Dusk” – You sit at a table/in the courtyard of the cafe/brittle autumnal leaves/rest/then tumble off your round shoulders…/they just don’t hold what they used to./

“When Father Dies” – When Father dies/let it be on the rush hour/train home/his face buried/in the Post/his last breath involved with the world./

“Dreaming on the Senior Line at Market Basket” – I walk with Ginsberg and Whitman/and we will talk…./I will tell them about the predicament we are in./

It feels like Holder inhabits his work, speaking from a “fly on the wall” perspective, keenly observing people, places and things, but not necessarily commenting on their meaning. Yet the message comes through with clarity and impact. His poet’s eye roams and records his observations of “ordinary” life, which of course, is never ordinary. In the tradition of all true poets, he gives them, “a local habitation and a name.” 

If you like poetry served up homestyle, deliciously fresh and familiar, The Essential Doug Holder will satisfy, and resonate a long time after you put it down. If keeping a book of poems at your bedside is not something you see yourself doing, try this collection.  As the book’s back cover suggests, “This is a must-keep-on your nightstand.” You might be surprised that you will pick it up again and again.

Sandra Williams, MA, taught world literature, and writing at both the secondary and higher education levels. She writes poetry, essays and fiction and is author of Moss on Stone: a historical novella, and Time and Tide: a collection of tales. She has published essays in New View Magazine (UK) and has written for journals, newsletters, and marketing/PR for non-profit organizations. She was co-chair for the first writers’ conference on Cape Ann, MA: The Dogtown Writers Festival: Finding Words Place (2019), sponsored by Gloucester Writers Center, where she also served on the board of directors, and facilitated poetry workshops. cosmicseanotes.blogspot.com