In this new collection, Christopher Yokel invokes the ancient elements to help him delve into the mysteries of life in this vast universe, and to also contemplate the simple beauties of sunsets, stars, cricket songs, and wood grains. Just like the four opposing yet harmonious elements, in this work both grandness and simplicity, great joy and harrowing despair, the vast cosmos and the creatures that crawl along the earth all come together in the great masterpiece that is human existence. As these poems traverse the realms of water, air, earth, and fire, together they encapsulate a journey toward purity, new perspective, and ultimately transformation.
Chris is an arts and culture writer whose works have appeared in publications such as RelevantMagazine.com, Tweetspeak Poetry, The Curator, and currently The Rabbit Room. Chris is also the author of five books of poetry, including his latest collection A Year In Weetamoo Woods.
Sorted by water, air, earth, and fire these nearly forty poems are compelling in their nuance and images. I especially liked Lux in Tenebris, Orion's Repose, Gray and Green, and E Pluribus Me. The recurring phrase in And It Was Night is powerful in its chant.