In this prize-winning collection, a debut poet evokes his childhood as the son of missionaries in Papua New Guinea. Mission Work is an arresting collection of poems based on Aaron Baker's experiences as a child of missionaries living among the Kuman people in the remote Chimbu Highlands of Papua New Guinea. Rich with Christian and Kuman myths and stories, the poems explore Western and tribal ways of looking at the world -- an interface of vastly different cultures and notions of spirituality, illuminated by the poet's own ...
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In this prize-winning collection, a debut poet evokes his childhood as the son of missionaries in Papua New Guinea. Mission Work is an arresting collection of poems based on Aaron Baker's experiences as a child of missionaries living among the Kuman people in the remote Chimbu Highlands of Papua New Guinea. Rich with Christian and Kuman myths and stories, the poems explore Western and tribal ways of looking at the world -- an interface of vastly different cultures and notions of spirituality, illuminated by the poet's own struggles as he comes of age in this unique environment. The images conjured in Mission Work are viscerally stirring: native people slaughter pigs for a Chimbu wedding ceremony; a papery flight of cicadas cuts through a cloud forest; hands sting as they beat a drum made of dried snakeskin. Quieter moments are shot through with the unfamiliar as well. In "Bird of Paradise," a father angles his son's head toward the canopy of the jungle so the boy can catch sight of an elusive bird. Stanley Plumly, this year's guest judge, writes, "How rare to find precision and immersion so alive in the same poetry. Aaron Baker's pressure on his language not only intensifies and elevates his memories of Papuan 'mission work, ' it transforms it back into something very like his original childhood experience. Throughout this remarkably written and felt first book, the reader, like the author himself, 'can't tell if this is white or black magic, ' Christian, tribal, or both at once."
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Add this copy of Mission Work to cart. $7.29, like new condition, Sold by Bookmarc's rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from La Porte, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2008 by Mariner Books.
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As New. No Jacket as Issued. CS2-A first edition trade paperback book in fine condition. Foreword by Stanley Plumly. In this prize-winning collection, a debut poet evokes his childhood as the son of missionaries in Papua New Guinea. 9"x6", 61 pages. Satisfaction Guaranteed.
Add this copy of Mission Work: Poems to cart. $7.29, very good condition, Sold by Bookmarc's rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from La Porte, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2008 by Mariner Books.
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Very Good. No Jacket as Issued. BT1-An advance reading copy trade paperback book in near fine condition. Foreword by Stanley Plumly. In this prize-winning collection, a debut poet evokes his childhood as the son of missionaries in Papua New Guinea. 8.75"x5.75", 59 pages. Satisfaction Guaranteed.
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New. Trade paperback (US). Glued binding. 80 p. In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
Add this copy of Mission Work: Poems to cart. $12.98, like new condition, Sold by GreatBookPrices rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Columbia, MD, UNITED STATES, published 2008 by Ecco Press.
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Fine. Trade paperback (US). Glued binding. 80 p. In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
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Add this copy of Mission Work: Poems [Paperback] Baker, Aaron and Plumly to cart. $14.95, new condition, Sold by GridFreed rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from North Las Vegas, NV, UNITED STATES, published 2008 by Mariner Books.