Surface Tension

by David Peak

"Amputation of person, amputation of limb, amputation of smaller and smaller shapes of cells. Into his sentences David Peak fits deleted frames from wonderful films we saw once half-asleep, that time asleep on the sofa in that room we would have paid more attention to if we'd known we weren't going to be back there these years later. A warm familiar butting hard up against a terror that fills sofa pillows and cabinets right there, rarely opened. A new kind of hair. A sublime and everpresent surface tension, most definitely, in all best things, of which this book called Surface Tension is certainly, magnificently, one. - Blake Butler

102 pages, Paperback

First published December 29, 2009

About the author

David Peak is the author of XLR8 (Apocalypse Party, forthcoming 2027), The World Below (Apocalypse Party), Eyes in the Dust and Other Stories (Trepidatio Publishing), Corpsepaint (Word Horde), and The Spectacle of the Void (Schism). He lives in Chicago.

Reviews

[Janie · Rating 5 out of 5]

To me, this collection of poems was a visual experience. I could see as well as feel how each piece was meticulously rendered. The words were precise within abstract settings, the colors bright against watercolor greytones. I detected a fine sense of space and longing, and finally, a bit of blood. The author shows us how we fit together and fall apart, and the distance between us and the stars.

[Thomas Stroemquist · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really need to read more poetry. The last two books of contemporary poetry (which happens to be the two I've read), I really liked. This one is dark and almost forces you to do a full stop for contemplation after every single line. I'm sure this will stay with me for a long time (and I'm sure I'll read it again if and when the images starts to fade). I like most of the pieces and parts, but it's hard not to mention "Red Blinds", an amazing story told in very few words over 23 short parts and still so vivid and playing like a movie for your inner eye.

Anyway, you should read Janie's review, she said it better than I could ever hope to.

[Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ethereal poetry written with a deft hand, the words speak beyond reading them, planting themselves in your mind to be thought upon and pondered. I see myself coming back to this book as poetry like this is made to be re-read and slowly digested.

[Rodney · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were some moments of magic here, but overall it didn't connect with or engage me as much as I had hoped. That said, I look forward to reading the longer works from the author.