Audience, Vol. 1, No. 4

Collaboration
World Audience (2007)
ISBN 1934209325
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (2/07)

Included in this book is “American Trilogy” by Howard Cramner.  Cramner shares view of the homeless, their distrust, the “city fathers’” desire to relocate them, the demons that haunt them and the niggling of fear we have of them.  I felt sadness in the words, “But she will accept Popsicles and oranges indirectly if your intention is to leave them for the rats.”

“The Snow Moon” by Laura Stamps, as I interpret it, began by speaking of life with her cats.  It was as though Ms. Stamps could see my cat zipping through the house, tearing stockings with her claws, leaving red scratches in her wake, and using her tiny little tongue to lick my hand.  However, part of the focus of this poem is on some type of ritual including tarot cards which totally ruined the rest of the poem for me.  The author should have stuck with describing her adorable cats.

“Close Your Eyes and Think of England” by Paul Alan Fahey is set in a psychiatrist’s office.  The psychiatrist is obviously only there for the money.  His patient is Mrs. Roosevelt who seems saner than he does.  This short play has an unexpected twist.

“Dial C for Coffee” by Paul Alan Fahey is about a woman and a man meeting to discuss murdering her husband.  The play is filled with humor.

“Audience, Vol. 1, No. 4” is an anthology of poems, interviews and plays by various writers.  A daring blend of pieces has never existed.  Many are satirical; some are filled with wit.  My favorite was “American Trilogy” by Howard Cramner. Many of the poems touch the heart.  There is a wide range of style; the quality of some is stronger than the quality of others.  I recommend this book to those who enjoy unusual writings.

Make comment on weblog