Click on picture above

for additional information

& to view a selection of poetry

taken from "Trolling"

Douglas Lawder's

Binoculars

This publication is the 2000 winner of the National Federation of State Poetry Societies (Stevens Poetry Manuscript Competition). 

"I chose Binoculars to be the First Place manuscript for several reasons.  This is the work of a mature poet who understands the power of language to renew not only the writer's spirit but also the reader's.  The author of Binoculars, as the title would suggest, sees life as a close observer, one who can focus on details so accurately that the sharpness of vision alone can bring us to tears.  The author uses language precisely, especially with strong verbs, as if the words themselves have been studied through binoculars."

"These are poems to read aloud, as well.  The author has an exceptional sense of rhythm and sound, qualities I find lacking in much of poetry I read.  The rhythm is not imposed; it grows from the sounds of the words, an attention to the duration of syllables as well as their percussion.  The imagery triggers all of the senses and the author's use of internal rhyme enhances the power of the images."

Kenneth W. Brewer,

Director of Graduate Studies in English at Utah State University

Click on picture above

to view a selection of poetry from Binoculars

My poetry represents attempts to convey ideas or images with few words.   In poetry, as with any artful expression, beauty or elegance or inanity is in the eye of the beholder so, I leave  to others the judgment of my successes or failures.    Picking my favorite poems or poets is akin to picking a favorite child.  But, Edna St. Vincent Milay, Emily Dickinson ,Tennyson and Poe are on my list.

I also believe poetry is best when read aloud,  and that:

Music, wine and poetry, make fine and lovely symmetry.

I hope you enjoy some of my poems.  Critique or comment appreciated.

Bud Bruner                                  budbruner@yahoo.com