Deadman

Deadman is a book predicated on

the celebration of desolate beauty

and the fragility of its adherents.

Every line is as a sumi-e painting-

rich with compact images the

way deliberate poetry should be.

Ultimately, with his craft, Bill

Sheldon seems to be a careful,

erudite machinist and the nuts,

bolts, and washers he churns out

serve to fasten intimate personifi-

cation upon the lonesome air

surrounding the Deadman. In his

book, Sheldon’s comradery with the

kenning turns isolation into a living

breathing entity with which to converse

and conspire. This is a powerfully relevant

commentary in Kansas and its literature.

-Matt Cooper, Poet and author of We ‘til Death

Do Part (2021).

Not only a fine (and funny) book of poems, but

a 'rise from the grave’ tale about being, fame,

and all that can be found holy through rock

music. The last time I had this much fun

reading poetry was William Trowbridge’s

Old Guy: Superhero. As with that, this

new book by William Sheldon

never disappoints. Spend an

hour. Rethink your life.

Then go live it. And

with added zest.

-Kevin Rabas,

Poet Laureate

of Kansas,

2017-2019,

Elizabeth’s City