JIM McCRARY
reviews
croniamental’s
miscellany #17
(by c-l books, Portland, OR, 2013)
and
The Long Face by
Sam Lohmann
Editions plane (c-l books,
Portland, OR, 2013)
and
Who is in Charge
by Morgan Ritter
(c_l books, Portland, OR, 2013)
and
Commemorative
libations by Thaddeus Ross
(c_l books,
Portland, OR, 2013)
And then there is
the day I open the mailbox here in Kansas and see a package from James Yeary
has arrived from Portland. Always a treat,
a surprise and always something original
and thoughtful. This time a newsletter,
two old school stapled chapbooks and a beautiful printed collection of mixed
drink recipes which are certainly poetry cocktails.
croniamental’s miscellany #17 is made up of 8 pages white copy
paper stapled at the top and mailed to anyone (I assume) who might ask and
offer a ‘donation’. It comes when it
does and I have no idea when, even after more than a dozen issues have arrived. This time the poets are Alli Warren, Sam
Lohmann, Mathew Stolte and Allison Cobb. Each of them is unique in a way that
might not look so unique at first.
Perhaps that is intent or simply my mistake. Each of them finds ways to describe, detach,
divide and distort what may be passing by in there
life (or not)…be it in depth discussion of benzene molecules, odd yet
remarkably sane ‘dictionary’ out takes,
just the daily of it all with someone or not. The remarkable abilities
shown by each of the contributors makes this a more than quick read thru. Read again for sure then over once more. Deft choice all.
The Long Face by Sam Lohmann adds to the mix of
what, for me, might be happening in poetic writing these days. I would guess after reading this selection
that Lohmann is well read and respected. He certainly seems to have found a way to
express himself that leaves out most of what presents itself as contemporary
and yet seems not to stand the test. But
who am I. Truth be told…I am so far out
of touch. I depend on others to put in
front of me what it is that is. My local independent bookshop is wonderful
but not able to keep up with the poetry being published and the local
university bookshop has been downsized to so few titles it is sad. And besides since the state decided it is
okay for professors to carry loaded guns (concealed carry) I will no longer
venture on campus.
Who Is In Charge by Morgan Ritter. I like poets who talk to themselves. I like poets who are cynical or just paying
attention. Funny. Here is a quote or maybe a blurb: “This poem
is coughing. This poem is actively
participating.” Morgan Ritter has strong
hands. Strong eyes. I am going to ‘borrow’ this chapbook to
someone who will really really get off on Morgan Ritter’s poetics.
commemorative libations by Thaddeus Ross. Here is a book of cocktail mixes. It is printed on really nice paper. It arrived just before the fucking ‘polar
vortex’ some kind of deal that dropped the temp here in Kansas to minus fucking
30 degrees. So with none of the stuff needed…what
is more poetic than reading the mix without making the mix. As in the drink called: “Walking Around The
House In Your Underwear: equal parts
gold rum and brandy.” I mean come on, John
Ashbery has never been that inspired.
Jeez. And it gets better and
there are many, many more of that. I will let you imagine what a Little Dice or
a Lionsaddle might be. Good thing to do
on a cold fucking night.
*****
Jim McCrary got a new laptop and he can't figure it out--nor can I--which explains the justified (pun intended) position of his paragraphs after the first. Meanwhile, he is
featured here with his cat Abby settling in for “ a long winter’s nap”—
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