In Best Words, Best Order, Stephen Dobyns explains the mystery of the poet's work and the ability of poetry to communicate thoughts and feelings between the writer and the reader. Through essays on memory and metaphor, pacing and the intricacies of voice and tone, and thoughtful appreciations of Chekhov, Ritsos, Mandelstam, and Rilke, Dobyns guides readers and writers through poetry's mysterious twilight communiques. Dobyns, a poet and teacher, has the rare ability to speak to readers about his art. Anyone interested in the beauty and intricacy of writing will find pleasure in Best Words, Best Order.