In the tradition of Catullus’ love poems and John Berryman’s Dream Songs, the poems of Saint Joe’s Passion recount the lonely lecherous life of Joseph Johnstone—cancer patient, classical music DJ, former voice-talent. The poems swing back and forth from Joe’s hospital bed to moments of his past: a past of religion, little league baseball, music, and marital friction. The collection paints the portrait of a man who was never quite able to open himself up to genuine love and intimacy.

J. D. Schraffenberger teaches English at Binghamton University and publishes the online journal www.elsewherejournal.org. This is his first book of poems.