The Night Abraham Called to the Stars (Poems)

“The poems of The Night Abraham Called to the Stars mark the ripening of a new current in Bly’s career: Now in his mid-70s, he is writing with tremendous energy and clarity and force, and producing some of the best work of his long career.” — The Nation

A volume of poetry with an emphasis on spirituality from the National Book Award winner.

Drawing on the profound influence that Islamic poetry, such as Rumi's, has had on his work, Robert Bly transmutes the remarkable ghazal form into a stunning series of poems. In this form, the poet can change the landscape in each stanza, ranging from a love poem to wisdom literature to a complaint about the poet's private life.

A cultured form with many references to other poems and poets, ghazal poetry challenges and involves the reader. In this volume, Bly's poetry resonates with deep spirituality while sounding the major themes of modern life. Merging wildness and a beautiful formality, this collection assures the reputation of one of the major poets of our era.

This powerful collection finds meaning in the grand and the granular, exploring:

• The Ghazal Form Reimagined: An ancient poetic structure where each stanza is a new landscape, shifting from earthy complaint to divine praise.
• Sufi-Inspired Spirituality: Follow in the tradition of Rumi as Bly seeks the sacred in muddy fields, weeping potatoes, and the light of the setting stars.
• Myth in Modern Life: Ancient figures like Abraham, Moses, and Rembrandt walk through a contemporary landscape, grappling with the same timeless sorrow and longing that shape our world.
• A Master Poet at His Peak: The culmination of a celebrated career, these poems showcase the tremendous energy and force that define Robert Bly as one of the major poets of our era.