Synopsis
Snout Chasing Tail is Fulkerson's seventh book and his 4th full length collection of poetry. In it he documents the urgency, the profundity, and the absurdity of modern life.
Enjoying this book? Help it get discovered by casting your vote!
Fulkerson's fourth poetry collection showcasing, yet again, his wit, honestly and dynamic style.
Snout Chasing Tail is Fulkerson's seventh book and his 4th full length collection of poetry. In it he documents the urgency, the profundity, and the absurdity of modern life.
From the opening poem, Snout Chasing Tail is reminiscent of Fulkerson's first full length poetry collection, The Glenmore Sessions. This collection, however, is far more tongue-in-cheek at times and celebrates Fulkerson's pointed cynicism as he explores modern life.
There are humorous pieces, such as 'Luck Favors the Risk Takers', which had echoes of beloved British poet Brian Bilston, and a few are a little indulgent and forgettable. But, Snout Chasing Tail improves as you read with the eponymous poem being utterly brilliant, capturing the honesty I've always enjoyed in Fulkerson's work.
This strength and dynamism is furthered in pieces like 'To My Former Self, from a Future Iteration', an incredibly moving piece, 'The United States of Dichotomy', a phenomenal indictment and a hope, and 'Death Comes on Twelve Wings', a visceral piece demonstrating Fulkerson's superb command of imagery and lexical choice. All of which are sublimely juxtaposed by pieces like 'Wad of Flesh'.
It is a timely and experimental collection reflecting upon life and how vastly it has changed while other things feel painfully stagnant. 'A Merry-go-round in Purgatory' is a perfect example of this and will resonate with many due to the isolation we have experienced in recent years. Snout Chasing Tail then draws to a touching close. Fulkerson paints a superb self-portrait before sharing a gorgeously heartwarming and soft final piece about being a honeybee.
At no point in this collection does Fulkerson attempt to hide or hinder the wonderful eclecticism of his work. It is what I have always enjoyed and admired Fulkerson for; he is a writer who responds wholly to the life he lives and the lives he witnesses. Thus, there is something for everyone in this collection - just as there was in The Glenmore Sessions. Both collections are highly recommended reads!
I am a writer and freelance editor/proofreader based in the UK. I have self-published two poetry collections (Between the Trees and Flowers on the Wall). I enjoy reviewing poetry, short stories, literary fiction and historical fiction. I am the Editor-in-Chief for Free Verse Revolution magazine.
Snout Chasing Tail is Fulkerson's seventh book and his 4th full length collection of poetry. In it he documents the urgency, the profundity, and the absurdity of modern life.
The Collective Narrative
In times like these
a man finds himself clinging
to familiar things for comfort.
The economy is in the crapper,
there’s a worldwide pandemic
tearing through the streets
and when I sit down to write
I just end up staring at this blank page.
There are things to be said, dammit!
Yet here I sit pondering my dedication
to the word, second guessing
my resolve to do more than exist,
to be more than a cog in the machine
to add a page
a chapter, dare I say
an entire book to the collective
narrative of humanity.
Volcano Tears
A tear falls
from the cheek of a volcano
scorching the earth
searing its emotions
into the footprint of history
A Merry-go-round in Purgatory
Philosophical Theological Economical Detrimental Emotional Spiritual Eventual Irrational
Occasionally regretful
All words that describe the feelings
I have on a daily basis.
I go from contemplating the mysteries
of the universe, to recounting the most.
useless of information, trivial at best.
Such are the cycles of thought
that flow through the mind
on an endless loop
like a merry-go-round
in purgatory.
Come back later to check for updates.
Writer of Fiction | Cinephile | Lover of all things horror | East Jesus Nowhere (Anxiety Press, 23') Brood of Vipers (Translucent Eyes Press, 24') www.josephfulkerson.com Linktr.ee/josephfulkerson Fulkerson2693@gmail.com view profile
Published on August 24, 2021
Published by Laughing Ronin Press
4000 words
Contains mild explicit content ⚠️
Genre:Poetry
1 Comment