In these rich and witty poems, we encounter a gallery of characters,
voices and situations in various stages of emotional undress and
bewilderment, fretting at just the wrong distance from reality in
railway stations, ferries, restaurants, war zones and watery dystopias.
They are filmic pieces that announce the arrival of an unusually gifted
poet, in a short collection much bigger than its size - entertaining,
disturbing and despite the odds curiously life-affirming.
Here, the poet makes the seemingly mundane scenes and interactions
extraordinary, with stunning language and unforgettable images. Whether
the poet talks about 'My cousin with the sensitive ears / winces as he
unbuckles his memory / listens to wallpaper peeling' or a Nativity play
where 'Straw lies about as if someone has detonated a scarecrow', the
poet showcases remarkable skills in exploring deep, human
relationships. - Romalyn Ante, co-judge of the International Book &
Pamphlet Competition
