Cartography

by Steven Reigns

In Cartography, Reigns charts his friendship with Michael Colleli. Written at the time of his death, the writings are full of loss, reminiscence, pain, and the joy of their friendship. This ten part non-lineal poem addresses the universals of loss, the material, faulty memory, and friendship bonds. Reigns plays cartographer in this poem as he charts his way through his shock and grief.

Cover Image Coralyn Pierson

Genres: Poetry

9 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Steven Reigns is a Los Angeles poet and educator and was appointed the first Poet Laureate of West Hollywood. Alongside over a dozen chapbooks, he has published the collections Inheritance and Your Dead Body is My Welcome Mat. Reigns holds a BA in Creative Writing from the University of South Florida, a Master of Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, and is a fourteen-time recipient of The Los Angeles County’s Department of Cultural Affairs’ Artist in Residency Grant. He edited My Life is Poetry, showcasing his students’ work from the first-ever autobiographical poetry workshop for LGBT seniors. Reigns has lectured and taught writing workshops around the country to LGBT youth and people living with HIV. Currently he is touring The Gay Rub, an exhibition of rubbings from LGBT landmarks, facilitates the monthly Lambda Lit Book Club, and is at work on a new collection of poetry.

Reviews

[Sundry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely little collection in memory of a deceased friend. I saw Steven read last night at A Different Light bookstore in West Hollywood. He was charming and his poetry was moving. He read a few from his next collection, which I would like to read.