It's Getting Harder and Harder To Tell the Two of You Apart

by Casey Renee Kiser, Johnny Scarlotti, Jasmyn Taylor Givens (illustrator)

poems from the edge (of the mirror).
the lines are blurred.
are you yourself today?
Johnny $carlotti and Casey Renee Kiser have a hard time keeping their personalities in order. . . look out - this final girl has snapped and this unpredictable creep is on the loose!

Listen to a poem from this book:
SoundCloud / I Am Not a Ghost Yet
Book available on Etsy / GutterKissesForYou
Free download on horrorsleazetrash dot com

Genres: Poetry, Horror

50 pages, Paperback

Published October 13, 2018

About the author

Casey Renee Kiser, a.k.a. snail viXen,
is an American poet who tends to explore identity and suicidal tendencies in connection with emotional and psychological abuse, the journey to self-love, and healing from complicated relationships. Her style is quite lyrical; street-quirk confessional, while her humor is cunty and confrontational, often abrupt but always unsettling. She has written over 20 poetry collections and sprinkled the realm of indie-punk lit, transgressive small press and zines. Her latest collaboration with J.J. Campbell, Altered States of the Unflinching Souls is available now.

She is editor at RaVenGh o s+ Press and has appeared in Mad Swirl, Holy&Intoxicated Publications, The Legendary, Horror Sleaze Trash, Black Petals Lit, Villain Era, Pyre Publishing, Fevers of the Mind, Paper and Ink Literary Zine, 48th Street Press, Alien Buddha Press, Down in the Dirt Magazine, Disturb the Universe Magazine, and frequents HST Quarterly. ‘C. Renee is totally out there on the edge.’ —Misfit Magazine

diy goodies: https://www.redbubble.com/people/rvng...
NOT YOUR KIND: The Gaslit Files
https://www.etsy.com/listing/14540097...
Snail Vixen and The Crystal Garden:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/72101884...
Connect w/ me on allpoetry:
https://allpoetry.com/i_am_snail_viXen
My poem {Vision}:
http://scars.tv/dirt/dirt189nov21/A_D...
Support artist Jasmyn Taylor Givens:
https://www.patreon.com/Thevintagespirit
Jasmyn Taylor's Designs:
https://www.redbubble.com/people/Jtay...
@snail_vixen / C. Renee Kiser

"Always go too far because that's where you'll find the truth." - Albert Camus

“Desperation is the raw material of drastic change. Only those who can leave behind everything they have ever believed in can hope to escape.” ― William S. Burroughs

Take Your Power Back and
Don't give anyone control over your perception.
The Snails recommend:
https://pairedlife.com/problems/Spot-...
A spiritual perspective on bipolar disorder:
https://www.youtube.com/c/bipolarorwa...

Reviews

[Janie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A poetry collaboration that nukes its pages into wicked fairy dust, then inhales it through straws of shattered glass. Ironic, clever and heartrendingly honest, Casey Renee Kiser and Johnny Scarlotti curse a shooting star that explodes in the middle of our polite conversation. It shines and glitters as it scorches the horizon and never dies.

[Arthur Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

It can be hard enough estimating one poet's work, let alone two of them together, but as for Kiser/Scarlotti, this might actually make it easier. And not just because their work is similar enough to warrant the title of this collection, but rather, whatever the distinct terrors motivating them to write this kinda shit, they are perfectly matched in terms of sheer guts (both figuratively and literally) they both spill across each page.

So, It's Getting Harder and Harder to Tell the Two of You Apart. Does this mean if we slapped a penis on Kiser and a vagina on Scarlotti, the transition would be complete? No, because if Kiser had a penis, I would double-bolt my doors, and if Scarlotti had a vagina, he'd likely keep it in a shoebox under his bed. In all seriousness, however, the reality is that they are both quite kind, decent people. But who knows what they'd be if they hadn't adopted poetry as a means of exorcizing their demons.

It's been my privilege to publish both of these poets and I'm proud to call them friends as well, so possibly I'm somewhat biased, but I cannot recommend their work highly enough – either separately or together. Curious readers with brave hearts and strong stomachs can decide for themselves just ahead.

[Ivana - Diary of Difference · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t always read poetry, but I won "It's Getting Harder and Harder To Tell the Two of You Apart" by Casey Renee Kiser and Johnny Scarlotti through a giveaway on LibraryThing.

And if you are already familiar with my “reading rules”, you know I try and read every single book I have ever received, because it’s only fair. And sometimes, the most unexpected books and the ones we don’t actively search for tend to surprise us the most. That happened with this book as well!

"It's Getting Harder and Harder To Tell the Two of You Apart" is written by two authors - two amazing writers of poetry, who have a very similar style of horror and suspense, but also very distinctive differences in their writing style too. The book is split in two parts, and we get the chance to explore both worlds. 

Part 1 - Casey Renee Kiser

The first part of the book was written by Casey Renee Kiser, and my favorite poem was “I am not a ghost yet”. It is morbid and powerful, and I loved the way the feelings and scenes were amplified in a morbid sense. I love the brutality of the writing. 

“Everything was beautiful the day you died”,
You said as you touched my cold hand. 

Part 2 - Johnny Scarlotti

I could instantly see the difference in the poems between the two poets, but at the same time, also admire how similar their styles and themes are. I find Johnny’s writing very creepy, much creepier than Casey’s. Especially when the mood suddenly changes and the random “haha’s” and “woahh’s” in the poems appear.

Now I’m dashing through the park clipping
Children’s kite strings
Ha ha, that’s what you get, you little freaks!

It felt like I was reading the secret diary of the Joker. Either him, or Pennywise. It was so fucked up, but it read as the new normal, which is what a psycho would think and feel. It was creepy, it was wrong, but at the same time it satisfied my curiosity. I think that may be the same curiosity that makes me watch true crime shows, crime confessions and old interview with Ted Bundy. And I really enjoyed it. 

If I could change anything about my experience with this book, I would have read this for Halloween. I think it would have been the perfect experience, next to a lot of red candles and dim lighting, alongside some quiet creepy music. 

I would recommend "It's Getting Harder and Harder To Tell the Two of You Apart" to all fans of horror poetry - it is dark and twisty, brutally honest and creepy, and it will pull you over to the dark side, even for a day. 

Wishlist | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

[Casey Kiser]

I am reviewing Johnny’s part of the book only.

Johnny Scarlotti is an original who is raping the poetry genre with his violently addictive, creepy but fun psycho/slacker vibe. His poems are wickedly entertaining and effortlessly intertwine horror comedy and his own brand of shock so that you can remember you’re alive. You may have the balls to read his words, but do you have the guts to swallow them? With twelve poems, Scarlotti pushes you off twelve cliffs and sends you dashing to the liquor store. I recommend his work here, and all his collections as a way to buck the boredom of daily dread and serious suckers that drain the fucks right out of you. #punklit

[Harry Whitewolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It’s Getting Harder and Harder to Tell the Two of You Apart” is a perfect title for this little gem of a poetry book – not only because Scarlotti and Kiser’s poems meld into each other with the utmost ease, but also because the idea of the split personality is present in both of their works. Additionally, I think Scarlotti’s poetry uses fiction to exaggerate and cover up truths, whereas Kiser’s poetry is truth, which she knows is just fiction. This blend creates a powerful volume of verse. Another reason these poets go together so well is because Johnny’s poems tend to work best as whole poems, rather than lines and couplets sticking in one’s mind, whereas, although Casey Renee’s poems are good as whole poems, it’s her one-liners that really stick out. Such as:

“I had switchblades for breakfast.”

“Your tongue was the only black you wore to my funeral.”

“I wear these men like jewelry.”

Truth be told, ‘til now I’ve been more of a fan of Casey Renee Kiser’s work than Johnny Scarlotti’s, but I’ve also read a lot more of the former than the latter. So what I’m really pleased about is: this is the best of Johnny’s poetry that I’ve read. As usual, his verse is very funny at times, but I felt this collection gave me more of an idea of who “the inner Johnny” is, and it’s that which made me sit up and take notice of just how good a poet he is.

Most of all though, what I learnt from this book was: messed up heads make the best poetry.

4.5 stars.

[Shelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most excited I've been about a Goodreads Giveaways win in quite a while! It was immediately clear from the book description that It's Getting Harder and Harder To Tell the Two of You Apart is the antidote the world needs to the true horror: the insipid Tumblr drivel that is actually passing as poetry in America today, and making their (decidedly non-poet) angsty female authors serious bank. (I know, I know – that was cruel. I blame it on the effects of glancing at the published portrait of co-author Johnny Scarlotti. I mean, yikes.)

And now begins the long wait by my front door for the postman to deliver it unto my eager, waiting hands and my wide, beady eyes.

UPDATE 12/15/2018: How cool is it that both of the authors stopped by the comment thread (see below) to say hey? Not only that, when it looked like my original mailing had been lost/stolen, they sprung into action to send me out a shiny new autographed copy with a few awesome little extras. My eager, waiting hands and my wide, beady eyes will be gobbling up this slim, well-designed and -produced volume this very afternoon. Huge thanks to Casey and Johnny!

[A. Blumer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read right before Halloween! Honestly, this is my second time through but this freaky little collection is worth it. Kiser & Scarlotti seem to be possessed by the same demon but a very different voice is channeled through both of them. Kiser being the sultry, alluring poet with a switchblade to your throat, and Scarlotti is the charming, amusing clown with a quirky laugh... And then he doesn't stop laughing till he's gone hoarse from all the blood in his throat and you've already sufficiently wet yourself twice.

This experience is one I highly recommend.

[Rebecca Gransden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I caught myself smiling and nodding in a way that was secret and involuntary. On the surface. This reminds me of finding a bluebottle in a can of cherry cola. Worrying, but not unexpected.

The tongue in cheek has ruptured through, forcing a twosome waggling bloodied tongue tips through the breach, reaching for some candy floss. Rawness of Christmas morning ruined by a family pet dressed in angel wings eating glitter and vomiting it over the tv that no one is watching. Suburban absurdan. Slacker slasher daydreams. Cutesy pie panic attacks.

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

CRK and Johnny Scarlotti doing a mad poetry twirl like Apache Dancers in a smoky Bohemian club, tossing each other around the room and keeping in rhythm. Here comes CRK laughing at the folly of male vanity and jealous trollops, spitting acid in their eyes like Medusa with her rattlesnake coiffure. Johnny tells us of true romances with madwomen packing razorblades in their poodle puddles like sinister Hanoi hookers. Gonna need some heavy metal Trojans to withstand the torture. Tag team prose to rival Pat Garrett and Billy The Kid for sheer outrage.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to review this book?

Step 1: Take a cute bunny.

Step 2: Rip the cute bunny from step 1 to shreds with your teeth.

Step 3. Run down the road naked and covered in the blood of the step 1 bunny.

Step 4: Once the police start chasing you start screaming your review in the hope that it gets picked up by the police dash board cam.

Well I tried the above but I'm too lazy and ended up writing this review whilst eating the bunny.
I've read loads of Johnny's writing and it amazes me how something so messed up can work so well, the words are thrown at the page in an insane rage and what sticks is borderline genius, it is very tough to find anybody similar. I always thought from the small bits I'd read that Casey Renee Kiser was probably the closest in style, but seeing them side by side here I can see they are very different. Casey's writing comes across as a punky, spirited no nonsense lass who could fight anybody and win without breaking a nail....or even look up from her writing. Reading Scarlotti this time you can see how much darker his writing is, if you read carefully you'll see cries for help that you never normally notice, that just takes things to a whole other level.

Favourite in this collection by Casey was Dollys Dream, this has such a great twist to it, don't have a mouthful of drink cos it will end up being sprayed everywhere.

Favourite by Scarlotti has to be, untitled 6/17/11. I've read it before but it is one of my favourite poems, it is so hyperactive and random, gotta have this requested to be read at my funeral.

This book has two amazing poets at the top of their game, grab a copy while you can because you'll be missing out if you don't.

Blog review is here> https://felcherman.wordpress.com/2018...

[mrhh714 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I guess the thing that really makes this work is the two poets are different enough to fill a book without things getting monotonous. But tbh I could read either one for days, both are so talented! I really enjoyed “I am not a ghost yet” and “untitled 6/17/11”. Either are a brilliant introduction to both of these brilliant artists. If I had any kind of criticism it’s that maybe I’d have liked to read a few Casey poems then a few Johnny poems etc without flipping back n forth but really I can’t complain. The book is solid and I can’t wait to read more of both poets.

[D'urban Moffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dueling sociopaths... one of my favorite premises... a classic American premise. The only reason I didn't give this read five stars is because I wish I had a clearer sense of the male and female 'interacting' with one another, maybe to form more of a 'story' connecting them. But, that's a trivial observation, my own projection. I'm fairly certain, however, that wasn't the intention of either of the writers- Casey Renee Kiser and Johnny Scarlotti- going into it. In the description it says 'It's Getting Harder and Harder To Tell the Two of You Apart' is a sampler. This being the case, my wish for more of an interplay is foolish. However, through an artful layout of its elements, It's Getting Harder draws parallels and a certain cohesion is attained. It's got a uniformity that other samplers might not possess. As a sampler is it effective? Yes. And a type of a character interplay/profile can be gleaned from the active layout. There are the poems themselves, diabolical, cinematic, cringey and funny/odd, juxtaposed with single questions scrawled in horror type font on the next couple of pages, or a child-like drawing- other artwork. Both JS and CRK have similar and complimentary writing styles and this pairing is a fitting one. If they weren't divided so plainly, it might be hard to differentiate one author from the other (and brilliantly justifying the title of the book). Special mentions go out to: Scarlotti's 'Aww' & 'Untitled 6/17/11'-- Kiser's 'Shadow Bang' & 'He Wasn't Hard to Kill'.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great collection of dark, surreal poetry.

[India · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was already a big fan of Casey and Johnny and I've been excited to read this and see what they came up with together. I think they both have a way with words and interesting views/things to say when it comes to dysfunction in different areas of life. I also love the perspectives - not to separate things by male and female, but I do think that their words have a feminine vs. masculine twist and perspective that I love. Great collection! I look forward to more from both authors.

[Never_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short collection of dark gems that stick in your mind hours after reading. A great introduction to these strange and unique poets.

[Debra · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this collection of poems in a Goodreads contest. Unfortunately, this type of dark poetry is definitely not for me, and it is impossible for me to review it objectively. I'm not sure what is going on in the poets' minds, but I think I would be nervous to be in the same room with them.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway. These dark and creepy poems were a perfect start to Halloween.

[J. Harding · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast read by two entertaining poets; original voices. Poems from the edge indeed. Recommended.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great poetry. Deep and twisted. I look forward to reading more of their work.

*I won a copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway. The review is my own, honest and unsolicited.

[Alexandre Alphonse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favourite poem by Casey, Fuck Me, Adore Us, especially for the ending (I have always found sex ludicrous and harder than ever to... stay in character).
As a man, I don’t laugh but (in my good and fit days, years ago, sadly) I used to look at myself in the mirror, flexing, American Psycho style.

Favourite poem by Johnny, A Man? {Year 2025}, because postmodernist feminazism is deluded to the point of mental illness.
An anecdote related to this: an English teacher, in Saudi Arabia, said to me something like “You are so lucky, you can wear pretty much everything you want here and they treat you better and...”, to which I didn’t respond the highly self-evident “This is what a true patriarchy feels like, and not what you bitch about in the West, welcome to the desert of the real LOL” but something that she would never forgive me, because she never talked to me again after this, believe it or not: “You are in Saudi Arabia...”

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this book in one of the Goodreads giveaways. I was excited for some edgy poetry. Clearly, this was not the right type of poetry for me. I think it was well structured and crafted, but it was just too depressing and twisted. And maybe those are not the right words to use, because other poetry with those undertones I eat up! I read the entire book but was hoping every page would be my last. Just not my style.

[Wendy Jensen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I always try to read a complete book that I have received but I just could not get beyond 6 pages of this. The title and the photo and the book of poems I received was "Poems From The Edge", not the title that shows up here.

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

[Melissa Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

~Review to come~

[Joey Loeffler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid 4 rounded up for Kiser's contribution whose work is abstract enough to make you think and maniacal enough to make you suffer as if an artist yourself. What a trip!