Review of Kevin Gallagher's "Diving at the Moon" Highlights Cultural Connections and Poetic Resilience

The title of the collection takes inspiration from Du Fu, a renowned Chinese poet of the Tang Dynasty, whose life and work are emblematic of resilience in the face of turmoil. His poetry, particularly the famous line “The state is destroyed. The country remains,” resonates throughout Gallagher’s work, linking the past to present challenges faced by humanity.

Gallagher adopts the Classical Chinese form of lüshi, consisting of eight lines in four couplets, to honor Du Fu’s legacy. The opening verses reflect on Chinese history, contrasting the tumult of the past with modernity. Lines such as “Everything around us is so damned new” juxtapose the contemporary landscape with historical events like the Mongol invasions. A poem about the goddess Guanyin illustrates Gallagher’s engagement with cultural imagery, while other pieces dive into the historical context of the Silk Road.

The second section of the book draws on Gallagher's personal experiences in China as a professor at Boston University, highlighting the complexities of navigating life as an expatriate. In “VPN,” he shares the challenges of domestic life amidst governmental censorship, capturing tender moments with his family and the balancing of personal and professional responsibilities.

The concluding verses weave together themes from earlier sections, now integrating Gallagher’s home city of Boston. Poems like “Before Another Flight” portray a vivid sense of place, while “Songs for Kelly” offers a heartfelt exploration of his relationship with his partner.

The standout poem, “Wine and Exile,” presents a fictional encounter between Du Fu and fellow poet Li Bai, weighing the distraction of indulgence against the harsh realities of their lives. In a mix of humor and melancholy, Gallagher illustrates the poet’s role in the world: “Words may preserve a man’s thoughts / but can fill a single empty belly.”

This bilingual edition pairs Gallagher’s English verses with Wang Ping’s Chinese translations, creating a cross-cultural dialogue that enhances the collection's themes. The closing poem, “Tempest After Kenneth Rexroth,” delivers a message of hope amidst despair, reinforcing the enduring power of poetry.

Overall, *Diving at the Moon* stands as a testament to artistic resilience, encouraging readers to find beauty and meaning in both word and experience.