Cruel and Usual

Uncomfortably Necessary Haikus

LuAnn B. Lonergan

In a world inundated with clichés and predictable poetry, Cruel and Usual: Uncomfortably Necessary Haikus by LuAnn B. Lonergan shatters the mold. This compelling collection of haikus is not just a series of neatly penned verses; it's a veritable rollercoaster of raw emotions, pushing boundaries and evoking uncomfortable truths that demand to be seen and felt. It's a poetic response to the chaotic world around us-a world that can no longer afford silence or ignorance. 🌪

Lonergan's haikus are sharp, piercing insights wrapped in the simplicity of form, yet bursting with profound implications. Each poem is a mirror reflecting the struggles, absurdities, and injustices of contemporary life. With a mere seventeen syllables, she masterfully encapsulates expansive ideas, creating a resonance that reverberates long after the last line is read. You won't just read her words; you'll feel them clawing at your insides, compelling you to reflect on your own experiences and beliefs.

Comments from readers vary widely, offering a mix of admiration and discomfort. Some praise her ability to blend humor with despair, calling it "deliciously dark." Others find themselves unnerved; they stand at the precipice of their own imaginations, grappling with truths that Lonergan lays bare. A reviewer might say, "This is poetry that grips the soul and demands action." Or perhaps, "She has transcended traditional haiku; it's like nothing I've ever encountered before." Indeed, that's the beauty and brutality of Lonergan's work-it's a conversation starter, a push towards collective awareness, stirring the pot of complacency.

What's remarkable here is the cultural context in which Lonergan writes. Released in 2021, a year marred by global unrest and personal upheaval, her haikus resonate with the loud yet muffled cries for justice, understanding, and healing. It speaks not only to individual experiences but to a collective consciousness yearning for change. 🕊

In a literary landscape often dominated by lengthy prose and sprawling narratives, Lonergan's precision with haikus begs the question: can brevity evoke profound emotional responses? The answer, unequivocally, is yes. Her work isn't simply an ode to the haiku form; it's a testament to the power of words to provoke thought and challenge often-ignored societal issues.

Drawing influences from her own experiences and the complex fabric of human emotion, Lonergan ensures each poem is a seed that grows within the reader's mind. It's not just a moment spent on a page; it's a catalyst for deeper introspection and societal critique. This is poetry that doesn't let you off the hook; it challenges you to confront discomfort head-on.

So, if you're in search of a collection that defies norms and ignites a spark within, dive into Cruel and Usual. Allow yourself the discomfort of its truths and the thrill of its vivid language. It isn't merely a reading experience; it's a journey through the labyrinth of human emotions-one haiku at a time. You owe it to yourself to grapple with the complexities of Lonergan's keen observations. Trust me, you'll come out the other side transformed. ✨️

📖 Cruel and Usual: Uncomfortably Necessary Haikus

✍ by LuAnn B. Lonergan

🧾 71 pages

2021

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