February 18, 2007

I am familiar with English translations of Ms. Lenkowska’s work, and I consider it some of the most exciting and original being produced in the hotbed of Polish poetry.

Ms. Lenkowska’s poetry can speak for itself, but I will just offer some thoughts here about why I find it so compelling. For one thing, she doesn’t sound like anyone else writing poetry in Poland today. I find in her work something of the same sense of irony that shows up in the work of Wislawa Szymborska, but Lenkowska’s poetry is more fragmented and, I think, darker. At the same time, she is capable of great gentleness and empathy. The dexterity with which she jumps from one image to another can be breathtaking, as can the sheer beauty of her language. (She has been ably translated into English, so I know I’m on firm ground in making that assessment.) There’s a vast breadth of experience evidenced in her work, as well as a good measure of wisdom. As good as her previous books have been, I still believe her best work lies ahead of her.

I think very highly of this particular poet. I think, frankly, that for her, there are few if any limits.

Steve Yarbrough, writer

James and Coke Hallowell Professor of English