Useless Landscape, or, A Guide for Boys

In D. A. Powell's fifth book of poetry, the rollicking line he has made his signature becomes the taut, more discursive means to describing beauty, singing a dirge, directing an ironic smile, or questioning who in any given setting is the instructor and who is the pupil. This collection explores the darker side of divisions and developments, which shows how the spaces of boonies, backstage, bath-house or bar are locations of desire. With Powell's witty banter, emotional resolve and powerful lyricism, this collection demonstrates his exhilarating range.