Throughout Allen’s first collection, The Thirteenth Circle, many stories were shared about the nature of the poems within and the experiences that birthed them. Poems from Quarantine seeks to continue that narrative. Containing 70 more original poems, Allen returns in true form with his latest collection. Filled with deep metaphor, autobiographical excerpts, and provocative artwork, Allen continues to guide the reader through his mind along the way. Each piece within represents a new, as well as familiar, facet of Allen’s views on topics such as Love, Faith, finding a Sense of Self, and Society as a whole, during one of the most volatile times in recent history.
Throughout Allen’s first collection, The Thirteenth Circle, many stories were shared about the nature of the poems within and the experiences that birthed them. Poems from Quarantine seeks to continue that narrative. Containing 70 more original poems, Allen returns in true form with his latest collection. Filled with deep metaphor, autobiographical excerpts, and provocative artwork, Allen continues to guide the reader through his mind along the way. Each piece within represents a new, as well as familiar, facet of Allen’s views on topics such as Love, Faith, finding a Sense of Self, and Society as a whole, during one of the most volatile times in recent history.
-Prologue-
“So, we meet again. I’m glad you’ve decided to return for yet another walk with me. I greatly appreciate your efforts in reading the collection preceding, if you were able to that is. It is my hope that with this collection, though the language and themes may mirror the previous, you are able to gain a clearer understanding of what you’re reading.”
“I will, of course, be dropping in from time to time to discuss what was on my mind at the time of writing these pieces. I always write with an intent aimed at the reader digging deeper. Don’t be afraid to read and read again. I’ll also be including a few more pieces of original artwork in this collection. I still very much enjoy painting; however obscure it may be.”
“These pieces will touch on a great many emotions, attitudes, and view points. I hope as you’re reading them, they allow your mind to travel to places of new perspective and insight. My first collection, The Thirteenth Circle, was quite raw, dark and tumultuous. As I’ve continued to write and collect myself on what it is I’d like to say, I’ve found my rhetoric simplifying and certain messages becoming more clear.”
“I believe that will become apparent as you continue on. Thank you greatly for taking the time to be here. I truly enjoy writing, and though poetry is not to everyone’s taste, I do appreciate how much can be said in so few words. Enjoy.”
As with The Thirteenth Circle, Chaz Allen writes poetry which is poised and posed to make the reader think. Exploring a myriad of topics, Allen’s work has clear aims and intentions. My only concern, again, is whether it reaches these.
I remain unsettled by the writer’s voice interrupting the reading. Frequently, Allen seeks to explain their poetry and I am a firm believer that poetry speaks for itself. Poetry is subjective and should be allowed the space to breathe. The reader should be allowed to respond to a collection without the writer narrating it for them. Of course, ‘Jennings’, about Allen’s grandfather has a moving explanation but this read more as a tribute and could almost have been a poetic/prose piece in itself. But other narrations seem to come from either a place of insecurity, self-indulgence or both, and it is a shame because I think Allen’s poetry does speak for itself. I would love the opportunity to respond to their work without an explanation.
Especially, as Allen’s overarching structure is tremendous. The poetry and artwork lead wonderfully into the next; almost as if they fold into each other (which makes the sudden appearance of the writer a hindrance). In comparison to The Thirteenth Circle, Allen’s imagery has improved greatly too - with an economy of language reminiscent of Hemingway or Frost, Allen’s images are stark and purposeful. The longer form poems are definitely the best examples of this; the shorter pieces / one liners often felt redundant or stunted. Allen’s talent certainly shines when the work is fleshed out. Particular favourites were ‘Lost Poem’, ‘Shimmer’ and ‘The Dopamine Fade’ for their vivid portrayal of introspection while reflecting on the world around the speaker.
Lastly, the artwork is superb in this collection. The pieces are shared sparingly but complemented the work wonderfully.
Thus, Allen is undeniably talented, I just wish they would trust us with the power to respond rather than seek to explain their words. This body of work could speak loudly for itself, if only it were allowed.