Pass and Stow: Poems by David Livewell - Paperback | 90 Pages | English

Explore the layered history of Philadelphia and the complexities of American life through the evocative poetry of David Livewell in his collection, Pass and Stow. This paperback edition offers a profound meditation on memory, repair, and renewal.

Following his T.S. Eliot Poetry Prize-winning collection Shackamaxon, David Livewell delves into the rich and often challenging past of his hometown, Philadelphia. The poems in Pass and Stow draw inspiration from John Pass and John Stow, foundry workers who recast the Liberty Bell in 1753. These figures serve as powerful emblems of the city's enduring spirit and the potential for transformation, mirroring how cherished things can be reshaped and revitalized.

Livewell navigates the city's dual legacy – from its role as the nation's birthplace to its history of slavery, displacement, industrial decline, and social unrest. The collection captures moments of awareness, consolation, and artistic discovery, finding redemption in old street games and celebrating the resilience of communities in ravaged neighborhoods.

With an introduction by David Mason, Pass and Stow contemplates the lessons of recent times, honoring 'custodians' who pass down history and friendship. The collection culminates in family and love poems that affirm present joys, as Livewell seeks a vision of a reunited and evolving America.

• The historical and contemporary landscape of Philadelphia
• The concept of repair, renewal, and transformation
• Contradictions and resilience in American life
• Family history and personal reflection
• Meditations on recent global events and their impact
• The affirmation of love and enduring friendships

• Author: David Livewell
• Introduction by: David Mason
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Page Count: 90 pages
• Dimensions: 13.97 x 5.08 x 21.59 cm (5.5 x 2 x 8.46 inches)
• Weight: 227 g (0.5 lbs)
• Release Date: September 6, 2026
• ISBN-10: 1589882164
• ISBN-13: 978-1589882164

Pass and Stow offers a poignant and timely exploration of place, past, and the enduring hope for a better future, making it a significant addition to contemporary love poetry.