SOURCE: "A Poetry Chronicle," Poetry, Vol. 100, No. 6, September, 1962, pp. 404-11.

In the following review, Woods finds no dramatic structure to The Tree Witch, which Viereck intended as both a poem and a play.

The Tree Witch is presented as "a poem and a play (first of all a poem)". I would add, "last of all a play". We are invited to read the book either as a play or (by omitting stage directions) as a poem. I am unable to omit anything when I read, even the poet's portrait. Besides, I don't believe poetry or drama operates this way. Surely there's more to drama than stage directions.

The play has been staged, we are informed, but I have serious doubts that much happened on the audience side of the footlights. I can't conceive of any dramatic context within which Viereck's poetry would be accessible. It's too involved for...