In these thoughtful, yet playful poems, Belford builds a poetry experience for the curious reader can open anywhere, read, and read on.

Although the phrasing of his lines is unusual, Ken Belford’s poetry is not easily forgotten. His poetry collections, like this one, his slick reckoning, are experiences the curious reader can open anywhere, read, turn the page, and read on. It’s not necessary to begin at the beginning nor to read to the end to get a good sense of what this poet is about. Read a little, or read a lot, he’s worth it.

Ken Belford is a timber framer. He has managed a northern wood lot, from which he has milled his own lumber, carrying out most of the timbers for his buildings on his back. These thoughtful, yet playful poems tell of powerful connections artfully made, of an earned sense of how things work, and an intimate awareness of the cycle of all things.