"Some poems here explore the ugliness of life: paralyzing break-ups, alcoholism and loneliness-but also its beauty: musings on the cosmic wonder of the universe and 'the grunting dance of erections.' Perpetually curious, Norse embraced surrealism and mysticism. Theses poems, delivered in the surprising cadence of his Brooklyn Beat are humorous, sensual and erotic. These are not just abstractions or merely technically accomplished poems--but searchlights into the interior that probe the psyche and then, with turns both balletic and predatory, explore the body--its odors, contours and fleshiness. Norse's voice and mastery of form make the ugly beautiful and true. Even as he nears 70, Harold's voice never falters, but brings the audience, in his own imitable words to a 'place mapped out in dreams, in poems, paintings, music, in trance.'"-Douglas Field, Manchester, UK
