Saint Joe's Passion ***

In the tradition of Catullus' love poems and John Berryman's Dream Songs, the poems of Saint Joe's Passion recount the lonely lecherous life of Joseph Johnstone-cancer patient, classical music DJ, former voice-talent. The poems swing back and forth from Joe's hospital bed to moments of his past: a past of religion, little league baseball, music, and marital friction. The collection paints the portrait of a man who was never quite able to open himself up to genuine love and intimacy.