Impspired Title

PROMISED LAND

by Keith Gorman

“Here is a voice close to the ground. A heretical voice new to my ears, startling my heart and gut. Keith Gorman’s voice in his debut poetry collection, Promised Land, is as close to the mud wallows in spring as to childhood’s cruelties, as close as the sticky-sweet peony bud as to nightshift on the factory floor. It’s evident that a master poet is working these rows of time and generations and gladness even amid the scarred past—in their rich language, perfect conceits, and the eureka of imagery. Gorman writes from the edge, “I live my life by a miscreant’s creed. / I spy the finches. I con the clouds. / I trap the moon in the palm of my hand.” What’s less obvious is the great need to reclaim the promised land twining beneath our feet, no matter how it threatens to crumble. These poems take you there; they keep their jagged promise.” —Linda Parsons, Poet Laureate of Knoxville, and author of Valediction: Poems and Prose “Keith Gorman intertwines deep subject matter with tender and gorgeous imagery. His poems leave readers no choice but to feel connected to the experiences and observations he shares. All while being wowed by the birds, and the barns, and the countless landscape treasures he offers as an antidote to his poetry’s rawness.” —Sarah Mackey Kirby, Poet, Playwright "Keith Gorman's Promised Land is a beautifully crafted work of art, filled with insights and unforgettable lines. I found myself re-reading poems over and over, and you will, too. This strong voice has important things to say." —Philip Lee Williams, author of 21 published books and a member of the Georgia Writers Hall of Fame