The singular work of Kenneth Patchen has influenced poets, artists and political activists for decades. New Directions is proud to launch a Patchen revival beginning with omnibus editions of his unique compositions.<br /><br /><em>We Meet</em> highlights Patchen's more outlandish side and includes, like fabrics stitched into a crazy quilt, <em>Because It Is, A Letter to God, Poemscapes, Hurrah For Anything,</em> and <em>Aflame & Afun of Walking Faces</em>. "Because to understand one must begin somewhere," opens Patchen's fabulous book of poems <em>Because It Is</em>: perhaps the most ideal reason for such a melting pot of poetry. Open any page at random and find Patchen protesting the Second World War (<em>A Letter to God</em>), or telling the tale of how hot water first came to be tracked onto bedroom floors (<em>Aflame and Afun of Walking Faces</em>), or informing the reader what happened when the nervous vine wouldn't twine <em>(Because It Is</em>), or why he loathes those who act as if a cherry were something they personally thought up (<em>Hurrah For Anything</em>), or answering what he wants out of life: "let's say-no matter" (<em>Poemscapes</em>).