David Black

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“This is a crop of poems that uses simple but profound words to cut lasting images of his Appalachian landscape and feeds the world with downhome wisdom….” (Patsy Asuncion)

“[his] solitary observations cut across a rural culture of hard work and handwork, recalling the old fashioned in the very best sense…knows how to tell a story, and in this fine collection, he invites readers to sit right down and listen in.” (Wendell Hawken)

“In many ways, David Black does in Virginia what Wendell Berry has done from his farm in Kentucky. These are poems you feel at home with, as solid, sure, and well-made as a white oak table from the hand of a craftsman. Their grain shows through—children and marriage, neighbors, relatives, familiar crises, demanding work well done. David has the gift.” (Tony Russell, Live Poets )

“…an unusually mature achievement… a fine collection….” (Henry Taylor, Pulitzer ’86)

“[compares to finding] a Monet in the same gallery where the Matissse and Renoir paintings are displayed….” (Sharyn McCrumb, NYT best-selling author)

 I was selected one of the initial group of Echols Scholars at UVA in 1960. Here, in clerihew form, are memories of that group and that era…some acquaintances, a few favorite faculty members, and some historical figures.

Poems inspired by my life experiences and search for faith…whatever times a Higher Power has been revealed….”The poems of David Black are meditations and explorations grounded in a particular community, a specific landscape, and often infused with religious faith.” (Leila Christenbury, VCU)