Anyone who has an appreciation for poetry would most certainly enjoy reading this wonderful book. Carlile has an incredible mastery of language and humor, an engaging blend of wisdom and innocence, and an exquisite capacity for writing the most poignant poetry imaginable. One cannot help but wonder why he is not a more celebrated author, because he is a truly magnificent contemporary poet.

Rain is an intimate look into the events and experiences that have made this particular poet into a man. With a strong male voice, the poet offers insight into his personal life on such issues as war, death, memories, family, and uncertainty. There are no unturned stones in this lively collection. Though written from a male perspective, this book in no way appeals only to male readers; this book is one of the most exciting contemporary works to be published within the last years for all lovers of poetry. I recommend this book to all experienced readers of poetry as well as all novices interested in what is happening on the modern poetry scene. This collection is so riveting that it could easily be read in one sitting.

Henry Carlile's "Rain" exemplifies his brilliance through elegance,unpredictability, and the ability to sway the mood of the reader. Carlile finds the beauty of war in poems like, "Desire", "Camouflage", and "Fort Ord, California, 1953" while preserving the ferocity of battle. On the same token, he has the capability to produce poems such as "Girlfriend",or "Triangle" both of which are cunning, humorous, and cynical as well. In "Girlfriend," did he end up killing her? He writes as the last line,"she, of course, is gone." Does this simply mean she is not with him anymore, humorous in its obviousness In "Triangle", was the statue there just to block the ugly view of a parking lot? He forces the reader to enjoy the poem while reading as well as in retrospect hours after you finally can put it down. Through his poem "Her Things", he portrays the beauty of emptiness in comparison to material objects. In few words, Carlile also represents a forced love, empty of excitement through these material items. In "November Memo", he talks simply of a pumpkin, but gives the pumpkin life and personality. He takes a simple everyday object and shows the deterioration, thinking less of rotting and more about the pumpkin's lack of conviction. I found Henry Carlile to be an extremely gifted writer. His language and variety in tone and structure is only a small portion of what makes him a phenomenal poet. He tends to the likes of all readers, and I guarantee he will tend to yours as well.