Imagine Tuvia Ruebner has guided you to the edge of the abyss and invited you to look down into the darkness with him. Perhaps you will see there some of his childhood memories, especially the images of his family members before they were murdered at Auschwitz. You may also see rising towards you some of the great paintings of the past. Ruebner's startling ekphrastic poetry will help you grapple with the nature of art, and his trustworthy voice may help make meaning out of capricious loss and immense, undeserved suffering. If, like me, you feel vertigo staring over the edge, hold onto Ruebner's poetry. Like me, you may even bow your head in gratitude for this Late Beauty, and its exquisite English translations.
Fred Marchant
Fred Marchant