Revolutionary short form and micropoetry in the spirit of Proletarian and New Rising traditions, of a gendai nature, in the general vicinity of tanshi, senryu and haiku, kyoka or tanka, with a few free verse works thrown in for good measure. In terms of tercets and waka, pieces generally adhere to the short-long-short [+ -long-long] mode and vaguely resemble longer syllable structures (5-7-5 and 5-7-5-7-7) of classical fixed form teikei models, though there are also examples of pieces with targets more closely matching contemporary English Language Haiku and Tanka expectations of concise eleven/twenty-one sound unit frameworks. The collection contains material previously printed in numerous fine journals and anthologies including Daily Haiga, dadakuku, Five Fleas, Fresh Out, GAS, Ice Floe Press, It Takes All Kinds, Lothlorien, Mad Swirl, Medusa's Kitchen, Otoliths, Prune Juice, Setu, Spillwords, Synchronized Chaos, Unlikely Stories, and the Zen Space.
A caustic showcase critiquing our generation's many ills, exorcising evils of prejudice and patriarchal tyranny, toxic exploitation and abuse-both interpersonal and economic-endemic to western culture, advocating for empathy and solidarity across borders and demographics, exemplifying internationalism and encouraging constructive critical thinking and tangible concrete reform through compassionate connection and concerted direct action, these poems explore annals and mythology through the most disparate lenses, locating germane and relatable insights in each allegory or archetype, encouraging the reader to consider how we might apply potent ideas and concepts toward improving our current day, from immediate personal spheres and neighborhoods swirling outwards every direction across the greater world at large.
Championing peace, institutional re-envisioning, abolition and broad decolonizing, these intersectional poems continue an important legacy of advocating for the underprivileged and vulnerable which has been an essential foundational tenet of haikai poetry throughout its rich and storied history, will be especially appreciated by fans of Issa and Shiki. The many allusions and dramatic descriptors throughout will also please admirers of Buson, as will numerous perspectives and diverse narrative voices potentially interest fans of Akiko Yosano. A compelling argument for the strengths of eastern poetry as a tool for supporting activism and promoting social justice, crucial missions more important than ever in our increasingly frightening modern age.
