Divine Nothingness

Divine Nothingness is a collection of poems published in 2014 by National Book Award winner Gerald Stern. The collection represents some of Stern's later work, written in his late 80s. The poems move between past and present, drawing from Stern's memories of Pittsburgh, New York City, and Europe. His observations range from mundane street scenes to reflections on historical events and literary figures. The verses blend elements of Jewish mysticism with everyday urban life, creating connections between sacred and secular experiences. Stern's characteristic long lines and conversational rhythms carry through the collection. This compilation explores themes of mortality, time, and the search for meaning in both significant moments and small details. The work stands as a meditation on how memory and spirituality intersect with the physical world.

Readers note Divine Nothingness stands out among Stern's later poetry collections for its themes of memory, aging, and spirituality. Many reviews focus on his accessible writing style and ability to connect small details to larger philosophical ideas. Likes: - Intimate reflections on loss and mortality - Strong narrative voice - Humor woven through serious subjects - References to Jewish culture - Personal stories that resonate Dislikes: - Repetitive themes compared to his other works - Some poems feel unfocused - A few readers found the collection depressing Ratings: Goodreads: 4.12/5 (33 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (8 ratings) One Goodreads reviewer wrote: "His keen observations of ordinary moments reveal profound truths about human experience." An Amazon reader noted: "The poems meander but always arrive somewhere meaningful."

The Wild Iris by Louise Glück Life-death meditations through garden imagery connect nature with existential questions in a collection that matches Stern's contemplative style.

The Dream Songs by John Berryman These poems chronicle personal struggles and losses with a mixture of humor and darkness that resonates with Stern's emotional complexity.

Walking to Martha's Vineyard by Franz Wright The poems navigate grief, spirituality, and redemption through a lens of personal history similar to Stern's explorations.

The Shape of Time by David Wojahn This collection weaves memory and history together while examining mortality and the passage of time in ways that parallel Stern's themes.

What Work Is by Philip Levine Working-class experiences merge with philosophical reflections on identity and belonging in poems that share Stern's narrative power.

🌟 Gerald Stern wrote "Divine Nothingness" at age 89, demonstrating his continued literary vitality in his later years 🍂 The collection explores themes of mortality and memory while maintaining Stern's characteristic humor and irreverence 📚 The book's title reflects Stern's lifelong engagement with Jewish mysticism and its concept of "ayin" (divine nothingness) 🏆 Gerald Stern was the first Poet Laureate of New Jersey (2000-2002) and received the National Book Award for his earlier work "This Time" 🖋️ Many poems in the collection revisit places from Stern's youth in Pittsburgh, creating a dialogue between past and present that spans over eight decades