Passion dances with violence in this evocative collection.
“One finger to take a life.” It is from this mindset and perspective that we can begin to explore War, What Comes After by Brendan S Bigney. These powerful poems delve into the psyche of a person moving through the loopholes and up the ranks and eventually back into civilian life. The poems touch on many traits including determination, obedience and sacrifice, but temper these qualities with stark reality and the recurring idea of what true freedom means for different people. The pages are full of contrasts, dark and light, hard and soft, all providing a backdrop that anybody, even non-military, can relate to. Especially moving is the succinct poem titled Backwards in Time. I found it relevant, despite having never been involved in physical warfare. The sentiment about missed opportunities really resonated with me, and likely will for many people.
More than a century ago, Leo Tolstoy wrote, “Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” War, What Comes After explores all manner of change, although not for self-betterment as much as for survival—mentally and emotionally. Passion dances with violence in this evocative collection that considers the toll war takes and shapes on the malleable human mind. Bigney’s poems encompass life during and post war, highlighting and expounding on the overwhelming challenge of adapting to a dramatic change in circumstances. The poems vary in length, but the most thought provoking seem to be the terse little quips that really strike a chord. War, What Comes After by Brendan S Bigney is a truly moving collection of poetry that, despite the grim themes, digs deeps and stays with you.
Congratulations to
War, What Comes After by Brendan S Bigney
winner of the
Indies Today 2020 Best Poetry Award
