Robert Francis Reads His Poems

American poet, writer, and literary critic Robert Francis (1901–1987) reads his poems in his only known recording. Initially influenced by Robert Frost, Francis published his first collection of poems in 1936. For this recording, Francis reads from two collections written during the period from 1965 to 1974. Poems’ styles range from word play (“City” and “History II”) to rhyme (“Epitaphs”) and free form (“Going to the Funeral” and “Silent Poem”). Francis pays homage to his one-time mentor with “On a Theme by Frost.” The texts for all poems are included in the liner notes.

Track Listing

101	The Mountain, Like Ghosts of Eagles, a Health to Earth	Robert Francis	02:48
102	Chimaphila 1972	Robert Francis	01:45
103	Overhearing Two On a Cold Sunday Morning, Silent Poem, December 14	Robert Francis	03:44
104	History (I, II, III, and IV)	Robert Francis	03:07
105	On a Theme by Frost, The Bulldozer, Cats, Trade, The Peacock , Picasso and Matisse	Robert Francis	05:06
106	The Pope, Light Casualties, The Righteous, Bloodstains, City , Cromwell	Robert Francis	04:30
107	Epitaphs	Robert Francis	02:05
108	Fear, Going to the Funeral, Suspension, 3 Old Ladies & 3 Spring Bulbs, Snowspell, the Half Twist	Robert Francis	04:28
201	When I Come; His Running, My Running	Robert Francis	01:40
202	Retrospect	Robert Francis	03:35
203	Dolphin	Robert Francis	03:37
204	Coin Diver	Robert Francis	01:09
205	Pitcher, The Base Stealer, Paper Man, Edith Sitwell, Old Man 's Confession	Robert Francis	05:07
206	Eagle Plain, Hogwash, The Mouse, While I Slept, Come As You Are	Robert Francis	04:38
207	Burial	Robert Francis	01:56
208	Cypresses, Bluejay, Summons	Robert Francis	02:30
209	Gold	Robert Francis	02:15