Then the War

And Selected Poems, 2007-2020

Carl Phillips

In the turbulent landscape of contemporary poetry, Carl Phillips emerges as a beacon of introspection and emotional depth in his recent collection, Then the War: And Selected Poems, 2007-2020. This compilation challenges readers to confront the complexities of identity, love, and loss against the backdrop of a world forever changed by conflict and upheaval. Each poem unfurls like a delicate origami, revealing layers of meaning that resonate profoundly with our shared human experience.

Phillips crafts his verses with an audacious sensitivity, drawing you into a realm where every word reverberates with the weight of personal and collective history. He deftly intertwines themes of war-both external and internal-illuminating how battles shape not just nations, but the very essence of who we are. The collection invites you to traverse the jagged terrain of human emotion, urging you to embrace vulnerability in the face of turmoil. 🌪

Readers have passionately responded to Phillips' poetic voice, some hailing it as profoundly transformative, while others grapple with the raw honesty that permeates his work. It's a delicate dance of admiration and discomfort; the kind of poetry that makes you pause and reflect on your own experiences. Critics often highlight how Phillips' exploration of sexuality and identity resonates within the broader historical narratives of marginalization and conflict. His ability to articulate such personal truths against the backdrop of war is nothing short of breathtaking.

One standout poem encapsulates the essence of this collection-a meditation on the nature of resilience. Here, Phillips artfully juxtaposes moments of beauty and despair, compelling you to confront the paradoxes that define existence. The lines pulse with an urgency that is both haunting and exhilarating, as they echo the cries of those lost and the dreams for a better tomorrow.

The starkness of Phillips' language strips away any pretense, forcing you to grapple with the often uncomfortable realities of love and longing. His imagery is visceral, leaving indelible marks on your psyche-scenes of intimacy intertwined with the remnants of violence, urging you to consider the fragility of human connections in an unstable world. When the fire of conflict rages outside, what solace can we find within our relationships? This is the profound question that lingers long after the last line is read.

As you traverse this collection, be prepared to feel an array of emotions-joy, sorrow, nostalgia, and above all, a deep sense of empathy for the struggles of others. Phillips doesn't just write poetry; he invites you into a shared space of understanding, where vulnerability becomes a radical act of courage. His work has an uncanny ability to dismantle barriers, connecting us through the universal threads of our existence.

From the powerful resonance of Phillips' words to the reflective silence they invoke, Then the War: And Selected Poems, 2007-2020 compels you to confront your own perceptions of conflict within. This isn't merely a book of poetry-it's a space for contemplation and perhaps a call to action in your own life. Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience the emotional whirlwind of Carl Phillips' latest offering; it may just reshape the way you see the world around you. 🌍✨️

📖 Then the War: And Selected Poems, 2007-2020

✍ by Carl Phillips

🧾 224 pages

2023

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