Half-light
- 736 pages
- 26 hours of reading
The collected works of one of contemporary poetry's most original voices.
Frank Bidart's poetry delves into the profound questions of human existence and the complexities of relationships. His verse is marked by raw honesty and piercing psychological insight, often weaving personal experience with universal themes of desire, loss, and the search for meaning. Bidart's style is direct and confrontational, unafraid to explore the darker aspects of the human psyche and expose vulnerability. His work offers an urgent and uncompromising meditation on what it means to be alive.




The collected works of one of contemporary poetry's most original voices.
Frank Bidart's debut collection of lyrics marks a shift from his previous long-form poetry to a more dynamic and melodic style. These new poems exhibit a sense of acceptance regarding the finalities and triumphs of time, resulting in a unique dark radiance. The work is characterized by its narrative speed and song-like quality, showcasing a less embattled and violent tone compared to his earlier pieces, reflecting a significant evolution in his poetic voice.
The collection features a sequence of poems that serves as a continuation of Frank Bidart's earlier work, Music Like Dirt, which was notable for being the first chapbook to be a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. Star Dust completes the larger structure Bidart envisioned, showcasing his evolution as a poet and deepening the themes explored in his previous sequence. This culmination enriches the reader's understanding of his artistic journey and poetic vision.
Nominated for a prestigious award, this poetry collection captivates with its profound exploration of human emotions and experiences. The poems delve into themes of love, loss, and identity, showcasing the author's unique voice and mastery of language. Through vivid imagery and poignant reflections, the work invites readers to engage deeply with the complexities of life, making it a significant contribution to contemporary poetry.