Here is the definitive collection of poetry from one of America’s best-loved writers—now available in paperback. With the publication of this book, eight volumes of poetry were brought back into print, including the early nature-based lyrics of _Plain Song_, the explosive _Outlyer & Ghazals_, and the startling "correspondence" with a dead Russian poet in _Letters to Yesenin_. Also included is an introduction by Harrison, several previously uncollected poems, and "Geo-Bestiary," a 34-part paean to earthly passions. _The Shape of the Journey_ confirms Jim Harrison’s place among the most brilliant and essential poets writing today. "Behind the words one always feels the presence of a passionate, exuberant man who is at the same time possessed of a quick, subtle intelligence and a deeply questioning attitude toward life. Harrison writes so winningly that one is simply content to be in the presence of a writer this vital, this large-spirited."--_The New York Times Book Review_ "(An) untrammelled renegade genius here’s a poet talking to you instead of around himself, while doing absolutely brilliant and outrageous things with language."—_Publishers Weekly_ "Readers can wander the woods of this collection for a lifetime and still be amazed at what they find."—_Booklist_ (starred review.) When first published, this book immediately became one of Copper Canyon Press’s all-time bestsellers. It was featured on Garrison Keillor’s _Writer’s Almanac_, became a finalist for the _Los Angeles Times Book Prize_, and was selected as one of the "Top-Ten Books of 1998" by _Booklist_. JIM HARRISON is the author of twenty books, including _Legends of the Fall_ and _The Road Home_. He has also written numerous screenplays and served as the food columnist for _Esquire_ magazine. He lives in Michigan and Arizona. DEAD DEER Amid pale green milkweed, wild clover, a rotted deer curled, shaglike, after a winter so cold the trees split open. I think she couldn't keep up with the others (they had no place to go) and her food, frozen grass and twigs,