This is a book of poems to remember those for whom 'time had lapsed.' The poems begin innocently with common collections, rocks or coins, and progressively, become memories that gather the death in the folds of language, to commemorate the passage. The words are most forceful for those closest to the heart of the narrator. The poems mourn a secret bond with each lost one. In the work of grief, special harmonies in poetry open the soul to the transcendent joy of simply being.
David Appelbaum Book order






- 2024
- 2023
Simple With
- 76 pages
- 3 hours of reading
This appears to be a poem that touches on themes of decay, disease, and the struggle to find meaning and beauty in a world that can be harsh and unforgiving. The first two lines suggest that a rose bush is suffering from blight, a fungal disease that can cause leaves to curl and wither. The "pinholes in veins" could refer to the small punctures that blight can cause on a plant's leaves. The third line mentions "the thing doused white," which could be a reference to a pesticide or other chemical treatment that has been used to try to combat the blight. However, the use of the word "doused" suggests that this treatment may have been excessive or harmful. The fourth line, "'cure worse than the disease, '" is a common expression used to describe situations where a supposed solution to a problem ends up causing more harm than good. The fifth and sixth lines express a sense of helplessness and frustration, as the speaker wonders what they can say or do to make things better. The seventh and eighth lines describe the speaker's struggle with their own creative work, as they find themselves dissatisfied with the words they have written.
- 2022
Otherwise In 2
- 98 pages
- 4 hours of reading
There is no doubt that all poems included in the poetry collection make it evident that the poet is a very impressive artist. These poems reveal remarkable skill and simplicity of style. Here we find a graceful and harmonious movement of language. The spontaneous and profound emotions are nowhere more exquisitely revealed than in these poems which are, in many respects, quite unique. BIO David Appelbaum is author of Everyday Spirits [SUNY]. His recent works include Portuguese Sailor Boy and Collector of Lapsed Times [both Black Spring]. He resides in New York State.
- 2020
Poetry. PORTUGUESE SAILOR BOY is a fragmentary history of the bloodline of the Portuguese explorer, Vasco de Gamma. The bloodline motif plays out in a series of scenes of an unnamed contemporary relation--in symbolic forms like nautical maps and paint-by-numbers frigates. The narrative centers on the wayfaring of his character, which reveals a life of accidental achievement as well as unadvertised follies, and neither ascends nor descends to an end.
- 2017
In His Voice: Maurice Blanchot's Affair with the Neuter
- 180 pages
- 7 hours of reading
Exploring Maurice Blanchot's theory of literary voice, this book delves into the intricate relationship between language and meaning in literature. It examines how Blanchot's ideas challenge traditional notions of authorship and narrative, highlighting the fluidity of voice and its impact on reader interpretation. Through a creative lens, the study invites readers to reconsider the dynamics of storytelling and the role of silence in literature, offering fresh insights into the complexities of literary expression.
- 2012
A Propos, Levinas
- 189 pages
- 7 hours of reading
Challenging Levinas's assertion that ethics holds a superior position in philosophical discourse, this work explores alternative perspectives on the relationship between ethics and other philosophical domains. The author presents a critical analysis of ethical primacy, engaging with various philosophical traditions to argue for a more integrated approach. Through rigorous examination, the text invites readers to reconsider the foundations of ethical thought and its implications for broader philosophical inquiry.
- 2010
Exploring themes of movement and dislocation, these fragmentary poems capture the essence of flight from familiar surroundings to unfamiliar terrains. They embrace the uncanny, engaging with the world at unexpected angles and transcending conventional boundaries of sense and taste. The work reflects a nomadic perspective, suggesting that a discerning ear can uncover deeper meanings within the text, inviting readers to experience the nuances of language and emotion.
- 2010
The narrative explores the complexities of human emotions through the lens of a unique relationship. Characters navigate their intertwined lives, grappling with love, loss, and the search for identity. The story is rich in symbolism, using the metaphor of "two small drops" to signify moments of connection and vulnerability. As the plot unfolds, readers are invited to reflect on the impact of seemingly small actions and choices, ultimately revealing deeper truths about the human experience.
- 2009
Exploring the multifaceted nature of snow, this book delves into its symbolic meanings and emotional impacts. Through vivid imagery and poetic language, it examines how snow can evoke both tranquility and chaos, reflecting the complexities of human experience. The narrative weaves together personal stories and broader cultural references, inviting readers to contemplate the interplay between nature and emotion. Themes of isolation, beauty, and transformation are intricately explored, making snow a powerful metaphor for life's uncertainties.
- 2008
Exploring Derrida's perspective, the book delves into ethics as both transcendental and performative, presenting a lively interpretation of his philosophical approach. It examines the implications of these concepts for understanding morality, emphasizing the dynamic interplay between ethical principles and their enactment in real-world contexts. Through engaging analysis, the text invites readers to reconsider traditional notions of ethics and its practical applications in contemporary society.