The Shape of Regret is a new poetry collection with a long shelf life, something that will be whispered about-gossiped about-by creative readers and writers for years to come. Herbert Woodward Martin is an acclaimed professor and influential American poet who has been known to inspire and encourage. To create his poems, Martin draws from his own life, experiences, and passions. Many of the poems speak directly or indirectly to poets who have shaped or interested Martin, including Hart Crane, William Carlos Williams, Lucille Clifton, Jackson Mac Low, and Robert Frost. He also gives further voice and testimony to the African American experience both in the present and the past. An early reader of the collection said that Martin continues to contribute to the canon. As an African American poet, he incorporates voices, a range of perspectives, and a unique approach to conveying and incorporating culture into literary language. Some strong poems in the collection include A Time for Bees, Keeping Faith with Silence, A Deadly Game, and he never said a mumbling word. Martin has been clear that his intention with this collection is to gather as many interesting ideas as possible in one place. His aim is, and has always been, to witness a thriving poetry community-one in which poets of all backgrounds can learn from each other and continue to grow together. The Shape of Regret is a wonderful place to either start or revive one's love of poetry.