decomP – 2008
2008
Monthly
Micah Zevin
decomP magazine, a publisher of prose, poetry and art since its inception in 2004, has published an ambitious collection featuring the work of a diverse range of poets, often highlighting the appeal in their focus on the narratives of the common American and their experiences, whether they be spiritual, satirical, political or emotional import.
decomP magazine, a publisher of prose, poetry and art since its inception in 2004, has published an ambitious collection featuring the work of a diverse range of poets, often highlighting the appeal in their focus on the narratives of the common American and their experiences, whether they be spiritual, satirical, political or emotional import.
In the poem, “Grandpa’s Final Years,” by Steven Kunert, the character of Grandpa re-imagines Jesus as a dancer. “Grandpa asserted if our savior had tried a plie, / he would’ve been a hell of a diva. // He could’ve conquered Swan Lake, / Grandpa raved, and done mankind a bigger favor. // We’d be all be happier on our toes, he ranted, / had Jesus worn a tutu with his thorny crown.” Under its veil of humor this poem is also a serious commentary on the martyrdom of Jesus, openly questioning how it would have been better to view his talents amongst the living.
“Flat Tire” by Kurt Remington is like a purging of daily frustrations at the hardships of daily life, such as your car breaking down in the middle of the road: “Having a flat tire / In Nebraska / Is like / Having your foot caught / In a mound of / Stinking cow dung.” This poem is an evocative portrayal of the sights and sounds that surround us when we have mishaps in life. With a “Bird’s Eye View of Man” by Ernest Williamson III, we journey further into the psyche of human beings known as men, and all the contradictions that come with their existence:
branded by the sun
a litter of potential good sustained
lying spliced and red
bleeding for the sake of bleeding
their praise is the unisex of finality
burning smelt
lifting sulfuric vapors to my nose
pinching my putrid breath
annulled is the finch in taxonomies
foolish separations
This piece is an introspective look into the origins of man’s desires and goals as well as man’s ultimate potential for good or for evil and what that means if anything.
DecomP is a literary journal with many faces in the literary spectrum. In this special all-poetry issue, the poetic free verse tradition is given a creative, philosophical and often satirical treatment. The poetry in this issue reflects a desire for an honest, vivid depiction and discussion of humanity and all its foibles, deconstructing our various identities and perceptions that carry us through life and make us unique beings. It is commentary that readers should hope to hear more of so that they can continue to listen, learn, and deconstruct their previous perceptions.
[www.decompmagazine.com/]