Brooks Haxton Knihy

Praise for Hayden Carruth highlights his ability to connect with readers, offering companionship through his poetry. His work is celebrated as one of the lasting literary signatures of our time, and he is compared to greats like Whitman and Chaucer for the depth and breadth of his themes. "Last Poems" is a significant collection that features the final poems of Carruth's life alongside concluding pieces from his earlier works. Introduced by Stephen Dobyns, this volume serves as a poignant tribute to a revered figure in American poetry. In "Father's Day," Carruth reflects on the essence of fatherhood amidst a gloomy day, expressing uncertainty about the role of fathers while emphasizing the importance of daughters as a safeguard against loneliness and the harsh realities of life. Carruth (1921–2008) spent many years in northern Vermont before moving to upstate New York, where he taught at Syracuse University. His accolades include the National Book Award for "Scrambled Eggs & Whiskey" and the National Book Critics Circle Award for his "Collected Shorter Poems." This collection encapsulates his moral engagement and emotional depth, making it a remarkable addition to his legacy.