too ok

by Colin Herd

'Colin Herd's 'too ok' is a treasure trove of razzle-dazzle stylings, superfine wit, charismatic discretion, and a vacuuming tenderness. Herd's gift for words is exquisite and adventurous and armed to the teeth, and these poems are its perfect measurements.'

—Dennis Cooper






‘Colin Herd is invincible in lemon, wants to be famous in two years—à la Charles Henri Ford—and his dad dresses like Roland Barthes. He’s not scared to introduce Simple Minds to Schopenhauer, nod to Oulipian lists, or throw in ‘old .at’ puns with real ‘4 Lorne Street.’ That’s not a joke. Colin’s words, not mine (the poems are so engaging, and rooted in the poet’s life, that you feel able to use his forename). This playful first collection is a faux-real wide-eyed stare at the normal and the uncanny in everyday life. Herd evokes Brautigan when he writes ‘crumple this.’ Don’t. At least, read it first.’



—nick-e melville, author of selections and dissections (Otoliths 2010)

64 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the vulnerability and honesty in the language, particularly when using more oral and colloquial expressions. I also loved the sense of place and setting when describing scenes with people, I still can't stop thinking about "my father dresses like Roland Barthes". Some of my favourite poems also include "poetry is love in action" and "a basket of strawberries".