The Color of Dirt: poetry and flash fiction --by Giulio Magrini

 Word Association Publishers

September 2, 2022

ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1633854655

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1633854659

178 pages Paperback

$19.95 at time of this review

5 Stars

 

I had an opportunity to read an ARC of this book, and liked it tremendously, only to discover the author and his editor made many changes, so that gave me the reason to read the new and improved version when it came out.

 

Dirt seems an improbable subject for such a marvelous book of poetry and short prose pieces, but it all comes together, beautifully.

 

Magrini is an Italian American, and some of the poems are in Italian. I strongly urge the reader to read the Italian out loud before reading the English version. Do the best you can with the Italian. It is a beautiful language full of expression. Actually, all poetry should be read aloud, whether to an audience or yourself is your choice.

 

The book is in six sections i. Amore (Love), ii. Arte (Art), iii. Odiare (Hate), iv. Politica e Guerra (Politics and War), v. Sporco (Dirt) and vi. Famiglia e Relazioni (Family and Relationships).

 

Between the first poem, “Vince to Rachel Over the Fourth River in November,” we are introduced to a poet who writes what I call accessible poetry. It is accessible to any who read it, without having to hunt for, and define, the metaphors. “Every time // I love you // A flake of snow / Forms separate / Distinguishable //” and the last writing in the book, “The Color of Dirt Afterword” is humor, love, anger, loss, hope and yes, an admonition or two. “...Reject those who would sever you from your place. We have put our hands in the dirt and sanctified each other.”

 

Although Magrini has performed his poetry including “The Pittsburgher: A memorial for Richard Caliguiri, Mayor of Pittsburgh 1977-1988,” this is his first book, and I say it is about time for the rest of the world to read and enjoy this person and his works.