Versed (poetry collection)

Versed is a poetry collection by Rae Armantrout, published in 2009 by Wesleyan University Press. The collection received the 2009 National Book Critics Circle Award for Poetry and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Poetry.

The poems in Versed are characterized by their concise language, ironic tone, and exploration of themes such as perception, science, and the nature of reality. Armantrout's work often juxtaposes seemingly disparate elements, creating a sense of intellectual play and challenging conventional ways of thinking. The poems are typically short, fragmented, and employ a minimalist aesthetic.

Critics have noted the influence of Language poetry on Armantrout's style, although she developed a distinctive voice within that tradition. Versed is considered a significant work in contemporary American poetry, demonstrating Armantrout's ability to blend intellectual rigor with emotional resonance. The collection is notable for its engagement with complex philosophical and scientific concepts while remaining accessible and engaging for the reader. The book explores the limitations of human understanding and the subjective nature of experience through precise and economical use of language.