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Feast Of Sapphires
The follow up to "Butterflies Lost Within The Crooked Moonlight," which Kirkus Review deemed "powerful verse from a writer of real talent," "Feast of Sapphires," has already been called "poetry of the highest quality" by Matt McAvoy. Jim Bennett, meanwhile, insists it is "highly recommended" and granted it four stars. One poem from the manuscript, "If We Are Doomed," won the 2018 Spirit First Poetry Contest Editor's Choice Award, out of thousands of submissions, and will be anthologized in a new book titled "Spirit First: 10 Years of Meditation and Mindfulness Poems." Thirteen other poems were previously published in such journals as Oxford Magazine, The Wire’s Dream, and New Plains Review.
“Feast of Sapphires," is a compendium of a wide variety of poems, covering topics both timely and universal. There are poems of psychic revolution (for those ready to put down the Kool-Aid), poems about pretense and gun control, poems about MRI’s, gambling, and mystical storms of all varieties; then, too, on a deeper level, more than a few of these poems are about the desire to surmount the collective facade in search of a kind of truth that cannot be hyperlinked.
Located from Costa Rica to the LIRR, this metaphysical cartography of anticipation and despair is perfect for those seeking existential answers in the bottom of the tea, in the resonance of a thunder storm, or, even, in the ethereal high of a linguistic flight of fancy. From comedic monologues to existential reflections, from angry rants to insightful commentary, from wily narratives to verbal pyrotechnics, this is a book that aims to make you feel that, in these dystopian times, poetry is, more than ever, relevant and necessary.
“Feast of Sapphires," is a compendium of a wide variety of poems, covering topics both timely and universal. There are poems of psychic revolution (for those ready to put down the Kool-Aid), poems about pretense and gun control, poems about MRI’s, gambling, and mystical storms of all varieties; then, too, on a deeper level, more than a few of these poems are about the desire to surmount the collective facade in search of a kind of truth that cannot be hyperlinked.
Located from Costa Rica to the LIRR, this metaphysical cartography of anticipation and despair is perfect for those seeking existential answers in the bottom of the tea, in the resonance of a thunder storm, or, even, in the ethereal high of a linguistic flight of fancy. From comedic monologues to existential reflections, from angry rants to insightful commentary, from wily narratives to verbal pyrotechnics, this is a book that aims to make you feel that, in these dystopian times, poetry is, more than ever, relevant and necessary.
102 pages, Paperback
Published June 4, 2019
1 person is currently reading
4 people want to read
About the author
Matt Nagin
7 books87 followersMatt Nagin is a writer and comedian. He has published five books. His most recent offering is "The Book of Outcasts," a short story collection. Matt's poem "If We Are Doomed" won the 2018 Spirit First Editor's Choice Award, and his story "The Failure" made Best of Across The Margin 2021. He's published other work in The Binnacle, Void Magazine, and the anthology "Rabbit Hole: Weird Stories Vol. 5. In 2019, his humor book, "Do Not Feed The Clown" was published by Tenth Street Press.
Matt is also a comedian who has performed standup in seven countries, on The Dr. Steve Show, and at The Edinburgh Comedy Festival. He has headlined shows throughout the Southeast, including at The Joke Joint Comedy Club and at a Festival of Fears showcase. He also wrote and directed the short film "Inside Job" that won Best Short at The Mediterranean Film Festival Cannes and Best Supporting Actor at The Nice International Film Festival. Finally, Matt spent several years as a Talent and Show Coordinator for The Gotham Comedy Foundation, a charitable organization that brings comedians into hospitals and senior centers. More info at http://www.mattnagin.com
Matt is also a comedian who has performed standup in seven countries, on The Dr. Steve Show, and at The Edinburgh Comedy Festival. He has headlined shows throughout the Southeast, including at The Joke Joint Comedy Club and at a Festival of Fears showcase. He also wrote and directed the short film "Inside Job" that won Best Short at The Mediterranean Film Festival Cannes and Best Supporting Actor at The Nice International Film Festival. Finally, Matt spent several years as a Talent and Show Coordinator for The Gotham Comedy Foundation, a charitable organization that brings comedians into hospitals and senior centers. More info at http://www.mattnagin.com
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 14, 2020
I have never read a poetry collection like this one. Just from the name of the book, I expected it to be unique and the content was quite thought-provoking as well. This collection houses 78 poems of varying length and topics. I found the mention of pirates and space exploration quite fascinating. Matt expresses himself in a verity of writing styles and rhyming schemes. There is an existential theme to these poems as the poet tries to understand their place in this world, appreciates the body they have been born with as well as deal with emotions that they have.
I love the mundane poem about new neighbours ('Footsteps on my ceiling'), the one about being a beggar, doing everything possible to become successful ('Beggars'), the reality of being an artist ('Poet Laureate') and the deep sentiments behind 'Struggle'.
I am thankful to the author for providing me a review copy of this collection in exchange for an honest review. I look forward to reading more contemporary poetry in the future!
I love the mundane poem about new neighbours ('Footsteps on my ceiling'), the one about being a beggar, doing everything possible to become successful ('Beggars'), the reality of being an artist ('Poet Laureate') and the deep sentiments behind 'Struggle'.
I am thankful to the author for providing me a review copy of this collection in exchange for an honest review. I look forward to reading more contemporary poetry in the future!
December 21, 2019
A remarkable collection of poems, a masterpiece of straight words, without hypocrisy that outline the sharp and incisive mind of the author. This is a compendium of inspiration and meditation. I particularly appreciate the irreverent and, at other times, sensitive tone with which the author deals through various topics ranging from social and ethical fields to touching the strings of the human soul.
February 12, 2020
Nagin is the Tarantino of contemporary poetry. Relentlessly visceral, hard-hitting, and truthful; devoid of one tiny thought of compromise out of concern for sensibilities of critics or customers. A poet’s poet, surgically cauterizing conventional knee-jerk and overly analytic thought alike in the fire of scrutiny and reason. A wildly entertaining read.
July 3, 2019
I recently bought this book and ended up reading it 3 times. Entertaining and nicely written, good for those who don't normally read poetry as it is not only symbolic and expressive, but also easy to decipher. One of my favorites.
August 28, 2019
The first thing you notice about Matt Nagin's poetry is how it jumps off the page with rhythm and purpose, and all with a razor wit and extensive palette. From citing current events that affect everyone in the macroscopic universe, such as gun control in the poem - Vegas Massacre, to a more personal take on things closer to home. Feast of Sapphires is the product of a mind heavily tuned into the subconscious mind, yet with the ultra-realized presence of the conscious and present one.
'I go out
and collect
the light
like a tiger
on the precipice.'
The opening line to the collection is a perfect opening, hinting at the brevity, precision and evocative nature of things to come. As we progress through the collection, things open up. The poems are often confrontational, edgy and intellectually stimulating, so much so that one can feel pleasantly dazed and spun by the prose. The title, Feast of Sapphires, said by the author to be something beautiful and valuable that is painful when consumed, is a perfect analogy for many of the works. To stir, and to make people see the truth, one has to show the beauty in form, yet talk without filters.
'children wrapped in
a vituperative fist;
a cry of bombs dropped
so calamitous they have
no beginning,'
Then there are moments of great invention and imagination. One of my favourites has to be - 'When An Angel Falls,' because of the way it injects cynicism into something as unearthly and unreal as an angel's wings, yet still evokes the reader with a sense of distaste.
'the halo I pawn
for hard cash,
wings I pedal
dirt cheap on eBay,'
But the poet also seeks to understand the very artform in which he writes in poems such as - The Poem Meets Me, and, It's Hard To Write Poetry In A Storm, from which he writes, 'Joker dancing before an angry judge. The storm is here. You ready?' Stating perhaps that, yes it's hard, but one must write anyway.
In his poems, one feels that Nagin is scratching away at the scabs of unhealed wounds and asking his reader to do likewise. Things itch and have to be scratched. Sometimes healing can only come from making fresh wounds.
'I woke up
like a new man,
a soul reborn
with intensity;
birds singing
in my chest,
squirrels
searching
for sky.
There are so many varied forms present, and so many imaginatively skewed ways of seeing things anew. The invention in a poem called, Metaphors, is breathtaking and exceptional. The tenacity and intensity of poems like, 'The End Of Anticipation, Beggars, and, Snowed-In Snow, to name but a few, is remarkable. The stark willingness to speak of a Poet Laureate, as unworthy, the ability to turn tech-terms into literary wit in, Photos On The Rocks, is just sublime.
The collection is full of riches, from talking about death, life, the future, and the inevitability of self-destruction. The subject matters are diverse, yet they all spring from the same existential core. With his poetry, Nagin seeks to inform, infiltrate and discover the mind, and does so with a very human and caring heart. I thoroughly recommend this collection of poetry and consider it to be one of the best I've read in a while. I shall leave you with the beautifully stark line from his poem, 'Night'
'the symphony we hear right before our dreams get lost
and we convince ourselves we shall dance no more.'
'I go out
and collect
the light
like a tiger
on the precipice.'
The opening line to the collection is a perfect opening, hinting at the brevity, precision and evocative nature of things to come. As we progress through the collection, things open up. The poems are often confrontational, edgy and intellectually stimulating, so much so that one can feel pleasantly dazed and spun by the prose. The title, Feast of Sapphires, said by the author to be something beautiful and valuable that is painful when consumed, is a perfect analogy for many of the works. To stir, and to make people see the truth, one has to show the beauty in form, yet talk without filters.
'children wrapped in
a vituperative fist;
a cry of bombs dropped
so calamitous they have
no beginning,'
Then there are moments of great invention and imagination. One of my favourites has to be - 'When An Angel Falls,' because of the way it injects cynicism into something as unearthly and unreal as an angel's wings, yet still evokes the reader with a sense of distaste.
'the halo I pawn
for hard cash,
wings I pedal
dirt cheap on eBay,'
But the poet also seeks to understand the very artform in which he writes in poems such as - The Poem Meets Me, and, It's Hard To Write Poetry In A Storm, from which he writes, 'Joker dancing before an angry judge. The storm is here. You ready?' Stating perhaps that, yes it's hard, but one must write anyway.
In his poems, one feels that Nagin is scratching away at the scabs of unhealed wounds and asking his reader to do likewise. Things itch and have to be scratched. Sometimes healing can only come from making fresh wounds.
'I woke up
like a new man,
a soul reborn
with intensity;
birds singing
in my chest,
squirrels
searching
for sky.
There are so many varied forms present, and so many imaginatively skewed ways of seeing things anew. The invention in a poem called, Metaphors, is breathtaking and exceptional. The tenacity and intensity of poems like, 'The End Of Anticipation, Beggars, and, Snowed-In Snow, to name but a few, is remarkable. The stark willingness to speak of a Poet Laureate, as unworthy, the ability to turn tech-terms into literary wit in, Photos On The Rocks, is just sublime.
The collection is full of riches, from talking about death, life, the future, and the inevitability of self-destruction. The subject matters are diverse, yet they all spring from the same existential core. With his poetry, Nagin seeks to inform, infiltrate and discover the mind, and does so with a very human and caring heart. I thoroughly recommend this collection of poetry and consider it to be one of the best I've read in a while. I shall leave you with the beautifully stark line from his poem, 'Night'
'the symphony we hear right before our dreams get lost
and we convince ourselves we shall dance no more.'
July 13, 2019
A prolific collection of poetry by a hugely creative author. These poems, although short, are very bittersweet, and they yell “quality”, from beginning to end. I do enjoy reviewing poetry from time to time, and it is fair to say that this collection is of my favourites to date – I liked it a lot.
There is an underlying theme – not in terms of the subject matter, but in general overall mood and context: there is anger, cynicism and despair in this work. Be prepared, the writing is moody and dark – to be read at night by candlelight. Often with poetry, you feel it is an experiment, or a little bit of fun for the author, but not in this case - Nagin feels his work, writing it with gritted teeth, through a pen as sharp as a razor, and his cynicism is smart and infectious. Covering a diversity of observations, such as love, suicide, injustice, genocide, pop culture, traitorous religion, the environment… all different in tone, some laugh-out-loud funny, every one seems like a self-contained cry out for “sense” from the world, which wouldn’t appear out of place in the Tate Modern (contemporary art museum in London). Matt seems to have been in a dark place for much of this book’s creation, and there is an underlying sense of doom, which seems to grow in intensity as the book goes on, whether from personal or global destruction. You share his desperation, and pity it (as a fellow writer, it is difficult not to share the feeling of injustice at the “Poet Laureate” – the completely plausible message being: Matt cares, she doesn’t).
As well as meaning every word, this author is clearly a very talented wordsmith; these are not just verse - they are stories, questions, lessons and vitriol, loaded with enigmatic metaphors which are still easy to get. Almost every poem in this collection ends on a sublime punchline, which makes you nod knowingly, with a wink and a smile; even the tiniest – “L.S.D.” at just 15 words, brings a playful grin to the reader’s face. There are some real gems here (hence the title, I guess).
Poetry of the highest quality, written by a very good author, and I certainly hope to read more from Matt.
There is an underlying theme – not in terms of the subject matter, but in general overall mood and context: there is anger, cynicism and despair in this work. Be prepared, the writing is moody and dark – to be read at night by candlelight. Often with poetry, you feel it is an experiment, or a little bit of fun for the author, but not in this case - Nagin feels his work, writing it with gritted teeth, through a pen as sharp as a razor, and his cynicism is smart and infectious. Covering a diversity of observations, such as love, suicide, injustice, genocide, pop culture, traitorous religion, the environment… all different in tone, some laugh-out-loud funny, every one seems like a self-contained cry out for “sense” from the world, which wouldn’t appear out of place in the Tate Modern (contemporary art museum in London). Matt seems to have been in a dark place for much of this book’s creation, and there is an underlying sense of doom, which seems to grow in intensity as the book goes on, whether from personal or global destruction. You share his desperation, and pity it (as a fellow writer, it is difficult not to share the feeling of injustice at the “Poet Laureate” – the completely plausible message being: Matt cares, she doesn’t).
As well as meaning every word, this author is clearly a very talented wordsmith; these are not just verse - they are stories, questions, lessons and vitriol, loaded with enigmatic metaphors which are still easy to get. Almost every poem in this collection ends on a sublime punchline, which makes you nod knowingly, with a wink and a smile; even the tiniest – “L.S.D.” at just 15 words, brings a playful grin to the reader’s face. There are some real gems here (hence the title, I guess).
Poetry of the highest quality, written by a very good author, and I certainly hope to read more from Matt.
July 28, 2019
Poetry is one of my favorite forms of writing, so when I was given the opportunity to read this collection, I jumped at the chance. I’ve officially read it four times since I acquired my copy, and I think I’ll read it a couple more times. I’m in awe, and I’m inspired by Matt Nagin’s talent and creativity.
It’s very difficult to review poetry. It’s so objective. However, this collection is very unique and each piece spoke to me. I love the diversity of the topics covered, and the intensity in which each word cuts through the page. It’s really fascinating and captivating.
I am a huge fan of Matt Nagin’s work. I cannot wait to read more from him! This is a fantastic collection of poetry, and I highly recommend checking it out. I’m off to read it for the fifth time. :)
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
Find this review and more on my blog: https://www.jessicabelmont.wordpress.com
It’s very difficult to review poetry. It’s so objective. However, this collection is very unique and each piece spoke to me. I love the diversity of the topics covered, and the intensity in which each word cuts through the page. It’s really fascinating and captivating.
I am a huge fan of Matt Nagin’s work. I cannot wait to read more from him! This is a fantastic collection of poetry, and I highly recommend checking it out. I’m off to read it for the fifth time. :)
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
Find this review and more on my blog: https://www.jessicabelmont.wordpress.com
July 22, 2019
Crisp clever poems that seem to float through the mists before surprising you with their depth of emotion and insight. Beautifully written with impressive vocabulary. Surprisingly broad range of subjects. I very impressive second book easily worth reading over and over
September 3, 2025
Matt Nagin doesn’t hold back in Feast of the Sapphires. It’s a bold collection that mixes satire, dark humour, and sharp observations about the absurdity of life. Some pieces hit like a well-timed punchline; others make you stop and think—then laugh again because the truth is ridiculous.
It’s not your typical safe read. Nagin leans into uncomfortable topics and twists them with wit, so if you like writing that’s clever and edgy, this is your thing. A few sections feel like he’s testing how far he can push, but that’s the point—it’s a book that doesn’t play nice.
Overall, it’s cheeky, smart, and a bit savage. Perfect if you enjoy humour with a side of bite.
It’s not your typical safe read. Nagin leans into uncomfortable topics and twists them with wit, so if you like writing that’s clever and edgy, this is your thing. A few sections feel like he’s testing how far he can push, but that’s the point—it’s a book that doesn’t play nice.
Overall, it’s cheeky, smart, and a bit savage. Perfect if you enjoy humour with a side of bite.
June 17, 2019
As always, do not let my star count override your judgement of content. More on the stars, counting, and my rating challenges later. I am a tough reviewer, and only one person’s opinion can appear here. Let’s get to the good stuff, Nagin’s work.
For a fun intro to Nagin’s style, turn to Donut Shop. Many images of unwilling participation lead to the final joke at the end.
Nagin is comfortable with social commentary, as in Palace of Lies, which includes this: “How you like my credit card? /Platinum-tier damages— /Ferrari in the garage— /Penthouse on Madison?”
As always, Google anything of which you are not absolutely certain. I learned a few things this way. Back to the book.
Spoiler alert: here is the entire short poem Pregnancy: “I kiss the sunset /and such magic falcons /such dreams unanswered /kick the heavens furiously /like a baby /waiting to be born.”
For a truly scary experience, turn to Vegas Massacre, which begins thus: “He unloaded the bullets /like rain drops /the ominous pitter-patter of death…” and that’s only the opening.
For a personal and pleasant experience, turn to Birds Singing in my Chest, which includes this: “I woke up /like a new man, /a soul reborn /with intensity; /birds singing in my chest, /squirrels….” That’s not a spoiler; there’s a lot more in the poem where that came from.
For a good laugh, and to see Nagin in prose, turn to Eyebrows, which begins thus: “This manicure place in my hood advertises 3D eyebrows on a day-glo sign and I always pass it in mute wonder—”
Again in prose, Nagin demonstrates his communicative power in Hit by a Car, where we find this: “skull to the cement, glass lodged in the guts of your arm, blood unleashed onto grim shoes—the destitution of spirit.”
I have other favourites here, but that should give you a decent feel for what is on offer in this book. Now for the star count boilerplate.
My personal guidelines, when doing any review, are as follows: five stars means, roughly equal to best in genre. Rarely given. Four stars means, extremely good. Three stars means, definitely recommendable. I am a tough reviewer. I try hard to be consistent. Nagin’s work easily gets four stars from the curmudgeon. Highly recommended.
For a fun intro to Nagin’s style, turn to Donut Shop. Many images of unwilling participation lead to the final joke at the end.
Nagin is comfortable with social commentary, as in Palace of Lies, which includes this: “How you like my credit card? /Platinum-tier damages— /Ferrari in the garage— /Penthouse on Madison?”
As always, Google anything of which you are not absolutely certain. I learned a few things this way. Back to the book.
Spoiler alert: here is the entire short poem Pregnancy: “I kiss the sunset /and such magic falcons /such dreams unanswered /kick the heavens furiously /like a baby /waiting to be born.”
For a truly scary experience, turn to Vegas Massacre, which begins thus: “He unloaded the bullets /like rain drops /the ominous pitter-patter of death…” and that’s only the opening.
For a personal and pleasant experience, turn to Birds Singing in my Chest, which includes this: “I woke up /like a new man, /a soul reborn /with intensity; /birds singing in my chest, /squirrels….” That’s not a spoiler; there’s a lot more in the poem where that came from.
For a good laugh, and to see Nagin in prose, turn to Eyebrows, which begins thus: “This manicure place in my hood advertises 3D eyebrows on a day-glo sign and I always pass it in mute wonder—”
Again in prose, Nagin demonstrates his communicative power in Hit by a Car, where we find this: “skull to the cement, glass lodged in the guts of your arm, blood unleashed onto grim shoes—the destitution of spirit.”
I have other favourites here, but that should give you a decent feel for what is on offer in this book. Now for the star count boilerplate.
My personal guidelines, when doing any review, are as follows: five stars means, roughly equal to best in genre. Rarely given. Four stars means, extremely good. Three stars means, definitely recommendable. I am a tough reviewer. I try hard to be consistent. Nagin’s work easily gets four stars from the curmudgeon. Highly recommended.
August 6, 2019
Feast of Sapphires is a poetry collection intended (IMO) to be read aloud, whether spoken with fervency into a microphone or in reverence in your solitude, just spoken. Nagin's collections take everyday machinations to another level, a contradiction onto themselves they come across at times both pious and jubilant. Poems like 'Hit By A Car' are visceral, while others like'A Stomach Full Of Acid' are a clear remembrance of life's turmoils - both relatable and hard to digest. Overall I would highly suggest snatching up this one if you adore poetry like I do you're sure to walk away with a sense of appreciation.
October 3, 2021
Once again Matt Nagin continues to impress with an eloquent display of literary prowess in his new book "Feast of Sapphires".
He confirms the title as "Wordsmith" creating vivid images that captivates and entices your imagination. His talent exposed with clever phrasing culminating into a genuine expression of emotion. His humor is contagious designed to keep you laughing long after the page is turned.
I strongly suggest picking up a copy of "Feast of Sapphires".
It is a book that will find a permanent place on you bookshelf with Matt Nagin becoming one of your favorite authors.
Judge Santiago Burdon
He confirms the title as "Wordsmith" creating vivid images that captivates and entices your imagination. His talent exposed with clever phrasing culminating into a genuine expression of emotion. His humor is contagious designed to keep you laughing long after the page is turned.
I strongly suggest picking up a copy of "Feast of Sapphires".
It is a book that will find a permanent place on you bookshelf with Matt Nagin becoming one of your favorite authors.
Judge Santiago Burdon
October 1, 2019
I just purchased kindle version of this book.*Feast of Sapphires*
Beautifully written poems. So touching, and direct.
I highly recommend this collection of poetry for anyone looking to read writing that is both beautiful and refreshing Moving. Insightful. Modern and timeless.
Helen B.
Beautifully written poems. So touching, and direct.
I highly recommend this collection of poetry for anyone looking to read writing that is both beautiful and refreshing Moving. Insightful. Modern and timeless.
Helen B.
July 3, 2019
Excellent book!!!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews