A black hole is a region of space-time exhibiting such strong gravitational effects that nothing-not even particles and electromagnetic radiation such as light-can escape from inside it. In
Black Hole Factory
, poet Eric Smith writes his way into and out of such holes with a commitment to the history and craftsmanship of the well-shaped poem. He compresses experience, intellect, and feeling within concentrated stanzas of compelling density, but his use of tradition, rhyme, and meter also become sources of surprise and innovation in his hands. The book has poems that communicate impressive control, intellect, and wit-poems that cultivate ironic self-awareness and detachment on the part of both poet and reader. And then there are breakthrough moments giving up both irony and control in which poet and reader experience a kind of gravitational collapse powerful enough to deform and reshape space-time. In the end, he has shaped a profound and accomplished manuscript of deep personal engagement graced by moving, open flights of lyricism.