num_pages: 160
description: A remarkable collection representing early and recent poems by David St. John, the critically acclaimed author of Hush , The Shore , and No Heaven . GUITAR   I have always loved the word guitar .  I have no memories of my father on the patio At dusk, strumming a Spanish tune, Or my mother draped in that fawn wicker chair Polishing her flute; I have no memories of your song, distant Sister Heart, of those steel strings sliding All night through the speaker of the car radio Between Tucumcari and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Though I've never believed those stories Of gypsy cascades, stolen hoses, castanets, And stars, of Airstream trailers and good fortune. Though I've never met Charlie Christian, though I've danced the floors of cold longshoremen's halls, Though I've waited with the overcoats at the rear Of concerts for lute, mandolin, and two guitars – More than the music I love scaling its woven Stairways, more than the swirling chocolate of wood   I have always loved the word guitar . 
language: English
title: Study for the World's Body
titlecomplete: Study for the World's Body
genres: Poetry
ratings_count: 43
awards: awardedAt: 757411200000
name: National Book Award Finalist
category: Poetry
publisher: HarpPeren