Something's Wrong with the Cornfields

'Poet Margaret Randall says "these are the impossible poems." But she goes ahead and says them because they are hers and they are from her cultural community in which they were forged. These are poems from her person as a female, child, adult, marginal, concerned, urgent, afraid, angry. And, yes, loving, gentle, strong, solid, yet, also, always afraid, angry. And even then, she says "thank you for caring, really caring." To herself for reassurance and reaffirmation. And to the cultural-social-political source in this too-present world that angers us and makes us afraid. So these poems are not impossible because they are the voice we need to say. So we can truly and necessarily face the 21st century. And, like the poet, say what must be said. And do what must be done.' - Simon J. Ortiz, author of Out There Somewhere, The Good Rainbow Road, from Sand Creek. 'Better than a memoir, Margaret Randall's collection of unpublished poems, "Something's Wrong with the Cornfields" celebrates the lives she has observed, of workers and oppressed peoples, as well as poets and intellectuals. The passion expressed in Meg Randall's long career as a poet, editor, and activist comes tumbling out of this huge collection, brimming over the edges of every poem.' - Diane Wakoski, author of The Diamond Dog.