Seesaw

Abstract

The twenty-three poems in this collection are invested in the examination of memories. The author's personal experiences and observations from childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood are thoroughly explored using original images and inventive language. Influenced by the works of Cesar Vallejo, Kimiko Hahn, and Karen Volkman, among others, these poems describe scenes and relationships from the past in a surreal, non-linear manner. The result is a highly detailed and emotional account of people and places that have made a significant impact on the author's life. Themes of resentment, guilt, loss, and regret provide a tangible link from poem to poem. A critical introduction explains the author's stylistic preferences and literary influences. The poems range from one page to three pages in length, and are separated into three sections. Each of these sections represents a period of time in the author's life.