Jeffrey Bumiller's Reviews > Hummingbird Sleep: Poems, 2009-2011

I didn't think I was going to like this very much; upon first glance at the poems, it seemed a little to prosaic for me. But to be perfectly honest I gave it a chance because I loved the titled, and I thought the cover art was beautiful. What can I say? I'm surrounded by books all day, so I have the luxury of judging a book by its cover.

Coleman Barks, (who, I now know, is well known as a translator of Rumi) is the kind of guy I'd love to hang out with, despite our vast age difference (he's in his 70's). He seems incredibly well read, and passionate about life, and about reading and writing poetry.

His poetry is full of recalled experiences, memories, musings on favorite quotes or passages from books, and simply full of life. He writes in a very conversational way, relaying a story to you as if you were an old friend.