Inspired by Rimbaud and Ashbery, the Slovenian poet Tomaž Šalamun is now inspiring the younger generation of American poets—and Woods and Chalices will secure his place in the ranks of influential, experimental twenty-first-century writers. Šalamun’s strengths are on display here: innocence and obscenity, closely allied; a great historical reach; and questions, commands, and statements of identity that challenge all norms and yet seem uncannily familiar and right— “I’m molasses, don’t forget that.”

Coat of Arms

The wet sun stands on dark bricks.

Through the king’s mouth we see teeth.

He sews lips. The owl moves its head.

She’s tired, drowsy and black.

She doesn’t glow in gold like she’d have to.