Introduction to Contemporary Poetry
In the vibrant landscape of contemporary poetry, new collections are continually emerging that offer fresh perspectives on life, loss, and the human experience. In this exploration, we delve into four remarkable works: Jessica Traynor’s New Arcana, Molly Twomey’s Chic to be Sad, Alan Gillis’s Over Here, and Dean Browne’s After Party. Each collection showcases unique voices and poignant themes, resonating deeply with readers.
Jessica Traynor’s New Arcana
Jessica Traynor’s New Arcana is an ambitious elegy dedicated to a childhood friend who tragically died by suicide. The poems navigate the complexities of grief through the lens of Lydia Deetz, a character from Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice. Traynor’s use of humor juxtaposed with heartbreak creates a dialogue that is both engaging and deeply relatable.
One standout poem, “I’m Lydia Deetz and all my friends are dead,” explores acute loneliness and the burdens of unresolved grief. Traynor writes, “Oh borderlines … they drag everyone down with them,” highlighting the struggle between moving forward and being weighed down by the past. The imagery is visceral, representing a stagnant struggle akin to the “marishes” of Ezekiel 47:11—a metaphor for grief that feels hopelessly unending.
Molly Twomey’s Chic to be Sad
In Chic to be Sad, Molly Twomey continues her exploration of recovery, delving into the darker facets of sustenance and survival. The collection is marked by a visceral intensity, with poems that reflect a fierce confrontation with the past. In “My body/severed,” Twomey’s lines bring to life the intimate struggles of recovery, resonating with anyone who has faced their own demons.
Twomey captures the agony of familial ties and the burden of history in “My Brother Facetimes to Show Me Our House On Fire,” where the cyclical nature of trauma intertwines with the power of memory. She encapsulates the urgency of her experience: “Seven years in recovery. All I crave is a lit match to throw at the grocery store.” This stark imagery emphasizes the tensions between public and private struggles, making the collection both personal and universally relatable.
Alan Gillis’s Over Here
Alan Gillis’s Over Here pays homage to the late Michael Longley, blending themes of nature and existence with a raw, demotic voice. From the opening lines, Gillis immerses readers in a world rich with wildflowers and evocative imagery. His poem “Virus” reflects on the haunting realities of Covid-19, capturing isolation with precise language: “Along Ravenswood Avenue … Glenvarloch – nothing approaches.”
The collection grapples with existential questions, inviting readers to ponder contemporary life in a world filled with distractions. Gillis’s contemplative style encourages introspection, making his reflections linger long after the final stanza.
Dean Browne’s After Party
Dean Browne’s After Party is a surreal exploration of memory and existence. Browne’s style dances between the ordinary and the extraordinary, as seen in lines that juxtapose time and space: “You inhale fathers/of tobacco-smoke from suede.” The collection’s surrealism is rooted in local experiences, capturing the essence of Tipperary with striking authenticity.
In “Scuttle,” Browne’s imagery is both abstract and tangible, creating a vivid picture of childhood. His unique voice and perspective make readers reevaluate the ordinary aspects of life, highlighting the beauty found in unexpected moments.
Conclusion
These four collections—Traynor’s poignant elegy, Twomey’s raw confrontation with recovery, Gillis’s deep reflection on existence, and Browne’s surreal take on memory—offer a powerful glimpse into the contemporary poetry scene. Each poet invites readers to explore their own experiences and emotions, making their works resonate with anyone seeking connection through the written word.
