Miserable with Fire
Traveling Copies Reviews
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1) from Malvern, PA (Fein Point 3) via
I recently received a copy of Miserable with Fire from a friend, who assured me I would like it. It certainly did not disappoint.
Too often, poetry can succumb to idealizing our trials, our loves, and our tragedies, rendering any heartfelt messages or proclamations inert under the
weight of hyperbole and artistry. Miserable with fire is artistic in its own right, rarely resorting to clichéd sentiments to express frustration,
disappointment, lust, and humor through frank and honest expression. This is not to say that the poems do not produce vivid imagery; although in some
circumstances the imagery may be a little too vivid for prudish readership (see the earlier note about lust).
Humor, however, is peppered throughout and these are the poems I found myself most drawn to. Hidden Service Policy, for example produced honest
amusement the more I thought about the simple truth of it. Subsequent observation has also proven the author's point. Malicious Limericks made me
laugh out loud, and his peculiar rendition of "Twas the Night Before Christmas" was quite worthy of print, even if it does seem somewhat out of place
given the rest of the tone.
Overall, a fine read from an unknown author. But then, he's only unknown until you read him.
2) from unknown via email
I liked a lot:
the animated conversation with the dishwasher
the refreshing, disarming stumble over the edge of the world
the mounted cow heads gazing impassively at the disappearing steak
'Sunspots are the felines of our vices'
I liked less:
the image of the rib-gap graves and angular hipbones
the clouds that formed in the old woman's eyes
Contrary to my preconceptions (derived from the title), it made me smile.
3) from Cambridgeshire, UK - Fein Point 1 - via
Honestly, I don't usually read poetry - even in school I tended to glaze over in those classes in English because none of it seemed very real. This book is,
in all honesty, different. In a good way.
Miserable with Fire works for me because it feels real - honest, genuine and very close to everyday life. It's full of very normal, very powerful
observations on the things that you experience on an almost daily basis and probably don't realise it - judgements when reading a business card, idle
musing about your life and the filter that alcohol applies to it, lust, simple frustrations that occur and vanish. You will have to forgive me not calling out
exact names of poems as I do not have the book to hand - I have passed it on to a friend to read. I guess you can classify that as a vote of confidence that
I have recommended it to close friends.
The book uses a powerful, evocative vocabulary that leaves you (well, me at least) nodding your head in agreement and, well, enjoying the read. I must
admit some of the works had some interesting use of spacing that slightly went over my head, but nothing that damaged my enjoyment. The last poem of
the anthology, in particular, is a cracker which breaks that fourth wall in a marvellous, confident manner that had me grinning.
A fine read, and well worth youur time. (because that's more important than the money, lets face it.)
4) from Riverview, FL - Fein Point 7 - via
Miserable with Fire, a book of poetry, came into my possession by a sheer stroke of good fortune. I am supposed to pass it on for another person to
enjoy, but am finding it hard to release from my library. The author, Ink, has compiled a diverse selection of poetry that touches on love, heartbreak,
humor and a sideways look at life in general.
The book is divided into four sections; each one could be a book unto itself. Ink writes with clarity which allows the reader to absorb the words and then
nod in recognition. He writes what many think or experience, yet lack the courage to voice. A prime example of this is the poem, "Re-Gifting":
"Eventually, each in our dizzy ring of circling vultures,
Meat between our beaks from a family hunt
And digestive enzymes at work in content stomachs,
Will watch the carcass of our patriarch fall
And look to the next in line for the signal."
Miserable with Fire is one of those books that stay with the reader long after closing. So many great lines and chock full of wit; it makes one say "Wish
I wrote that". I must pass this book on now for another to enjoy, and that means I need to replace with my own personal copy. If it's in my library, that
means it's good.
Now go on, get your own copy and read some mighty fine poetry.