(Chicago Sun Times) - Patrick Rosal is quickly writing himself into the prominent role of young statesman in contemporary poetics. In his second book, My American Kundiman (Persea Press, 64 pages, $13.95), Rosal combines heritage and strong thematic illumination that pinpoints his 21st century ear. Unabashedly, he is influenced by hip hop, blue collar issues and poetry alike: The result is a stunning collection of poems.
The title, Kundiman,means a "traditional Filipino song of unrequited love." While the book is filled with this love, it is the poems "A Poet Visits With Prisoners" countered by "The Woman You Love Cuts Apples for You" where truth of the holy in the everyday announces itself: "They do not cry/And they're not waiting 'til I leave/They describe the scent of apples/It's how they teach me to be free." Rosal is playful in form, clever in idea, and interesting in wordplay. Rosal's second book reveals a major talent... full details here
The title, Kundiman,means a "traditional Filipino song of unrequited love." While the book is filled with this love, it is the poems "A Poet Visits With Prisoners" countered by "The Woman You Love Cuts Apples for You" where truth of the holy in the everyday announces itself: "They do not cry/And they're not waiting 'til I leave/They describe the scent of apples/It's how they teach me to be free." Rosal is playful in form, clever in idea, and interesting in wordplay. Rosal's second book reveals a major talent... full details here
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