•  In his Paradiso Diaspora (2006), Yau continues his exploration of language and its shortcomings. However, a more personal side of the poet shows in this collection as Yau explores his relationship with his daughter, Cerise Tzara, to whom he dedicated his collection Borrowed Love Poems.

•  In Yau’s 2005 collaboration with artist Thomas Nozkowski called Ing Grish, the poet creates often humorous lyrics to go along with Nozkowski’s abstract paintings.

•  For a taste of Yau’s prose, readers may enjoy his short story collection Hawaiian Cowboys (1995). Here are thirteen stories about strange characters that live outside the mainstream. They include exhibitionists, prostitutes, and heroin addicts. Sometimes sad and sometimes humorous, Yau’s characters struggle with loneliness and frustration.

•  John Ashbery won the Pulitzer Prize for...