Proceed to Check Out

Alan Shapiro's new collection of poems, Proceed to Check Out, explores mortality, finitude, and the human experience in a world of technological innovation, political disruption, personal loss, and racial strife. Using idiomatic range and formal variety, the poems move through recurring dreams, childhood coercions, and the connections between mind and matter. Shapiro's grasp of contemporary life is distinct, comprehensive, and profound, offering empathy and understanding in challenging times.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 104 pages
Publication date: 25 March 2022
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

Alan Shapiro, an acclaimed poet, presents a captivating new collection of poems that delve into the profound themes of mortality and finitude. In his fourteenth collection, Proceed to Check Out, Shapiro embarks on a reflective journey, exploring his precarious position within a world characterized by the relentless pace of technological innovation, political upheaval, personal grief, and racial tensions. Through his poetic lens, he addresses fundamental questions about the nature of time, consciousness, and our identity formation. What emerges is a urgent and timely exploration of these profound subjects, as Shapiro skillfully presses them into the realm of contemporary relevance.

Shapiro's poems traverse a rich tapestry of themes, including recurring dreams, the pressures of childhood, and the enigmatic connections between mind and matter. They seek to fulfill an innate yearning for empathy and understanding, even in the most challenging of circumstances—amid disillusionment, public discord, and estrangement. His profound grasp of contemporary life, encompassing its insidious violence and breathtaking beauty, is evident in every line.

With his idiomatic range and formal variety, Shapiro's poems dance through a myriad of emotions and perspectives. They evoke a sense of wonder, introspection, and longing, as they navigate the complexities of human experience. His poetic language is vivid and evocative, drawing the reader into a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary and the intangible becomes tangible.

Through his masterful craftsmanship, Alan Shapiro offers a profound exploration of mortality and finitude, providing solace, insight, and a deeper understanding of the human condition. Proceed to Check Out is a testament to his enduring talent and his ability to connect with readers on a profound emotional level. This collection is a must-read for anyone seeking solace, inspiration, or a deeper appreciation of the human experience.

Dimension: 216 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226817545