Paterson (poem) caught Williams' attention for its use, with a technical skill that seemed to rival Pound's in "The Cantos", of such diverse and seemingly prosaic materials as notes from a congressional investigation, an X-ray report and a physician's testimony on cross-examination. He wrote to fellow poet Louis Zukofsky, "I've begun to think about poetic form again. So much has to be thought out and written out there before we can have any solid criticism and consequently well-grounded work here." In 1944, Williams read a poem by Byron Vazakas in "Partisan Review" that would help lead him to solutions in form and
Jolly Roving Tar so manly, drest all in his sailor's clothes,<br> His cheeks they were like roses, his eyes as black as sloes,<br> His hair hung down in ringlets, but he is gone afar,<br> And my heart lies in the bosom of my jolly, roving Tar.<br> <br> Come all you jolly sailors, and push the boat ashore,<br> That I may see my father's ships and see they are secure,<br> Provisions we have plenty, and lots of grog in store,<br> So drink good health you sailors, to my jolly, roving Tar."<br> <br> She quickly jumped into the boat and merrily left the land,<br> And