The book Poems Momma Never Read Me by Elliot M. Rubin is a raw and thought-provoking collection that explores different aspects of life, relationships, and society. Rubin's work is heavily influenced by the Beat Poetry tradition, which he discusses in the preface. It celebrates an anti-establishment vibe and a gritty, unapologetic style. His poems are often conversational, making them easy to understand, as he avoids the more cryptic, overly academic styles often linked with poetry.

Rubin's poems cover a wide range of topics-from everyday life in the city to personal grief, from funny reflections to serious thoughts on death and aging. For example, poems like "Walking Frank O'Hara's Streets" give a vivid, gritty picture of urban life, while "Memories Sit on the Sofa with Me" captures the touching moments of looking back on the past. Rubin's ability to switch between different tones and moods is clear, allowing readers to connect emotionally with his work through nostalgia, humor, or sadness.

- His dedication to plain language and unfiltered expression makes Rubin stand out. He talks about everything from brief romantic encounters to deeper themes of loss, social injustice, and introspection, all with an almost conversational ease. His poems like "Skinny Dipping in Lake Hopatcong 1962" show a kind of nostalgic, tender memory, while others such as "Hatred" and "Death Wave" reflect on human suffering and global tragedies, making the collection diverse in both style and theme.

Overall, Poems Momma Never Read Me is a captivating journey through one man's observations of life, love, and the world. Rubin's use of humor, honesty, and the Beat tradition make it a refreshing collection that embraces both the personal and the political, encouraging readers to reflect on their experiences similarly straightforwardly.

Sandra Helene Faraday - Retired Editor and Teacher