Purgatory Road

"Coe is a poet's poet, a jazzy, postmodern Ben Johnson . . . understated, but shimmering with wit, compassion, integrity of purpose." -- The Phoenix

His most powerful collection of poetry to date, Charles Coe is renowned for his powerful readings and unusually warm and compassionate voice, Charles Coe's poems speak to the heart and mind as well as the ear. Combining subjects as diverse as Afro-American history, myth, jazz, and family as well as surprising observations of those unexpected moments of joy to be found in a work-a-day inner city life. Above all, Coe's poems touch upon what is essential in us all and speak of life as a gift that is far from perfect but all we have.