Alternating between the loveable irrascibility and self-mocking humor reminiscent of the poet Cold Mountain (Han Shan), Budbill's poems view the modern world from the viewpoint of a New England hermit-scholar. Remarkable for their generous spirit, accessibility and biting criticism, these poems present a poet of strong mind and voice. "Budbill both informs and moves. He is, in short, a delight and a comfort."- Wendell Berry "Budbill writes out of the real, contemporary, New England, not from the past, not from the cellar holes. He speaks from the New England which is Appalachia - poverty, exploitation, and good people."-Donald Hall David Budbill is the author of numerous books of poetry, ?ction, and drama, and is an occasional commentator on NPR's "All Things Considered." With bassist William Parker, Budbill performs a duet collaboration entitled "Zen Mountains / Zen Streets." He lives in rural Vermont.