Always Estimate - and Other Poems: and Other Poems

Author: Jimmy Carter
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2006-11-01
Features: In this moving, wide-ranging, and emotionally rich poetry collection, Jimmy Carter opens up his deeply concealed inner world of thought. Always Estimating and Other Poems is filled with satirical, sometimes even pungent humor, accompanied by heartwarming tenderness, and brimming with passionate care, stemming from political and perceptual awareness. A nostalgic day after a hunting partner. A procession of motorcycle riders in leather jackets burying a brave and valiant woman. The death of a father and his son's remembrance. An elderly black woman with self-respect teaching a child the art of fishing and the art of life. Heartwarming praise for his wife Rosalynn, whose smile "still makes the birds forget to sing / and still makes me forget to hear the birds' chirping." A young politician trying to change the stubborn habits of a small town. It is in these various images that we see Carter believe that poetry teaches him that "art is best derived from unadorned things." It is the recognition of Always Estimating, accumulated long ago, that makes him realize that everything in life (in art, politics, friendship, etc.) must be balanced, and this understanding permeates the entire book. The illustrations in Always Estimating and Other Poems are by Carter's granddaughter, making this a poetry collection that will move readers, entertain them, surprise them, and fill them with joy.