222 pages. First edition (first printing). A fine copy in wrappers

222 pages. First edition (first printing). A fine copy in wrappers (paperback). Signed by the author on the title page. Poetry. DAYS LIKE THIS ARE NECESSARY includes new poems as well as highlights from the 13-book career of Walter Bargen, first poet laureate of Missouri. Kevin Prufer writes in his foreword to the book, His work is technically sophisticated, rhythmically subtle, and emotionally complex, but--and here's the trick--it's also the kind of poetry that one might offer to someone who says he doesn't like poetry much, someone who says he doesn't `get' poetry, someone who prefers mysteries or history books or biographies....In a perfect world, this book will go a long way toward bringing Walter Bargen's poetry to the much wider audience it deserves.