Reviewed by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, MyShelf.com
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A Philosopher's Viewpoint
Offers Comfort-of Sorts

John Koethe is a professor of philosophy; one comes to his work expecting a good dose of philosophy and is not disappointed.

The poems in North Point North are wistful and sad, somehow both removed and concrete. Time and memory are important themes. The author has included special notes on their chronology. The images in the earlier ones are more evocative and substantial than in the later ones.

For the average reader, the value of these poems will be that they echo those periods when each of us feels hopeless, listless or unconnected. We felt that way even when we were young--if we stopped long enough to consider our emotions then-and their presence becomes more pronounced as we age. If we follow Koethe's lead, we will not deny these thoughts-then and now, now and then--for who are we if not what we think?

Koethe also says that words "still pass (es) for celebration…" In his words, there are a both absence of celebration and commemoration. Strange how a poet/philosopher can do that: deny the very thing he is confirming.

Koethe himself says, "disappointment surrounds these poems." And yet, there is enlightenment in this book, because his poetry is proof that when we think these thoughts, we are not alone. In spite of the melancholy, North Point North is an affirmation.

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Carolyn Howard-Johnson is the author of "This is the Place"