Publisher: Ethel Zine, 2023, www.ethelzine.com
Language: English
Paperback: hand made,54 pages
5 Stars
I had the pleasure to see Mr. Compton read at one of the Zoom Room readings I attend, loved his reading—the poetry and the voice, so invested time and money in his chapbook. Well worth it. Normally, I mark the poems I loved more than others, but ran out of markers, (they arrive soon). In going through the book again, I realize I really like them all.
His dead poet poems are marvelous, “before we understood that death was here” brought me to tears, as did “skyla.” And, I really want to know how he knows about me and my closet, as he obviously does, from his poem “i am dressed in mistakes.” But then, perhaps it’s a common failing of many poets and writers. “i am dressed in mistakes /// garnished over my body / like an appetizer… / …from sweet imperfections / scattered throughout…”
If you need capital letters this book is not for you. I don’t think I saw a single one. If you like to play with words, get raw emotion from tears to laughter, and everything in between, then this is a book for you. And how many hand-made books do you have, anyhow?