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Fulkerson's fourth poetry collection showcasing, yet again, his wit, honestly and dynamic style.

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.

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!

Reviewed by

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.

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.

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.




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1 Comment

Biplob SinhaAmazing
over 3 years ago
About the author

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

Reviewed by