The poems in Naming the Afternoon, Julia Johnson's first collection gather naturally together in three sections that tackle the subjects of Time, Eternity, and Language. The poems, influenced by Johnsons New Orleans upbringing but not drawn from any specific place, are mysterious yet inhabit a world of reason and explanation. Even though the world may seem distant and strange, it is composed of familiar elements - a kitchen, a violin, a purse. The collection focuses on images and feelings and has an underlying sense of urgency to name the passing moment, which is ever in an instant, as soon as the "soup [has] finished shaking in the bowl of a spoon." In this remarkably mature debut, Johnson has created poems that are intelligent haunting, evocative, and instructive.
- ISBN10 0807128112
- ISBN13 9780807128114
- Publish Date 30 November 2002
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country US
- Imprint Louisiana State University Press
- Format Paperback
- Pages 64
- Language English