Grenade Rain Dance

by Calibna

The poet approaches controversial social questions with a refreshing and stimulating outlook on the world, blending light and darkness with unpredictable bouncy alliterative rhythms. Inspired by the philosophical questions and the reliance of the urban sphere upon the natural world. It is these questions that exist in a tantalizing embrace with the inability to ascertain our purpose and place in a world that exists regardless. The writer explores the boundaries of form and meter, in a way that mimics the unpredictability of modern life making somewhat unexpected comparisons that create an infinite range of extraordinary images, in this epic poem.

51 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2019

Reviews

[Judy Ferrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grenade Rain Dance is a collection of verse in an unconventional style. Calvin's J. Kerr looks at his world and creates some of the most imaginative descriptions. With each line you can see through his eyes the world he lives in with all it's bumps and dings.

[Hali Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is something about the world described in this poetic book that reminds me of a poetic summary of Neil Gaiman’s fantasy novel Neverwhere. This is because Neverwhere searches for magic and meaning behind the mundane on the streets of England. Iin a similar fashion, Grenade Rain Dance drips poetic symbols and imagery onto real people working away at their lives. These people are from all walks of life but with a grey meaninglessness that blends together. As the rain falls on their lives the poet asks the questions of Solomon of Ecclesiastes, “Is everything meaningless and chancing at the wind, and where is God in this?” The poet does not necessarily provide answers but serves as the questioner. Maybe meaning is simply in noticing? Yet, the tapestry of lives woven into the rain drops is somehow beautiful to read and breath in as we also question.

[Stuart Aken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poetry is such a varied medium that a reader approaches any work with cautious curiosity. What will this piece say, will it be formal, contemporary, or simply chopped prose?
The very fact that Calibna prefers his Junk Talk Poet handle may well put off a number of potential readers due to the propensity to pre-judge. That’s a shame, as this book is a delight.
His use of language is distinct, challenging, thought-provoking and satisfying; all qualities any discerning poet strives to achieve. As you read his poetry, the city bleeds into your veins, invades your nostrils, coats your skin, assaults your ears, spices your tongue, and disturbs your thoughts. What more can we, as readers, ask of a poet, than immersion in the work, treats for the sensations, food for the mind?
As an apprentice poet, exploring the land of expression, I found this piece stimulating and accessible, even though parts were alien to me: I’m a country boy and this is very much of the city, an environment I visit only in extreme need.
Give it a go; you might stretch your imagination, feed your creativity, and learn something new.

[Lev Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

It been a long time since I’ve read any poetry, and I’ve never read such a bang up-to-date oeuvre, so I came to it with some trepidation. I thought I’d be kind to myself with just a poem or two a day, but once I’d started, I just kept going. The fact that there are poems of different lengths, (from the brief ‘Horned Old Toad’ to the much longer ‘Grey Peas and Bacon’) and styles (from a homage to the Beatniks – ‘Letters to Ginsberg’ – onwards) made it easier, but more so, I got quickly sucked into the poet’s world view, his frustrations and concerns, taking me from the searing social critique of ‘The Meeting’, the anger and sadness of ‘The Stitch’, to the humour of ‘Imagining a Murder’ and all points in between.

First time round, I misread one of the lines. Instead of ‘For now I fear the future’, I read it as ‘For now I hear the future’ and I did and it sounded a lot like Junk Talk Poet.

[Melinda Butler · Rating 4 out of 5]

The poetry is interesting as a whole because it shows us what humanity is really like. Look deeper into the meaning of the words, but some of this is spot on about the struggles of humanity. I enjoyed the poem mostly but there were a few issues with it.

The format of the poems made it really hard to follow and keep up with. I don't know if this was on purpose or just general formatting issues, but this kept me from fully appreciating the work of this author.

I like the use of simile, analogy, and metaphor throughout the entire book. I like the take on the human condition and how we love and survive through things.

My favorite part was "The wail on the wind, the whispers in the fog, the snipes in the midst, like game in the shrub, itchy triggersnout, sharp and twitching in the stink," which leads to even more about how the human live our lives in this modern world.

Overall, this is great poetry, and it digs at the human condition.

[P.J. Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting, thought-provoking poetry staring through the cracks in twenty-first-century society.
The poems offer a fascinating glance into our own lives. Everyone can relate to the feelings of admiration, longing and almost jealousy in ‘Poster Coaster.’ While readers will readily relate to the characters of ‘The People Watcher, ‘of which I particularly enjoyed the final stanza. Another standout poem for me was ‘The Staple’ which I found a great connection with.
The words in this collection flow freely and with an ease of movement.
Every poem in this collection has something to give the reader.
Whether it is in the form of reflections on the human race, racism, poverty or individualized character studies this collection is an important commentary on our life and existence.
‘Take This Pill’ is highly recommended to all readers of contemporary, urban poetry.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Junk Talk Poet looks at a world that makes him angry. He sees society's restrictions and it makes him itch with restlessness. He watches people repeat the past and ignore the present. But he does not tire of looking. Though spitting more venom than the poetry I usually read (as reflected in my rating which relates purely to personal taste), many of the truths here are undeniable as is the skill with which they are articulated. There are many beautiful, lyrical moments in this collection, where the words appear to have always been there, or that they were always meant to be together, in the order we find them on the page. This, surely, reflects a certain mastery of the written word.

[TheBookFiend · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Take This Pill’ is highly recommended to all readers of contemporary, urban poetry.

It is a gritty commentary of modern day living offering readers a mirror through which to observe their own existence.
The poetry style is short and edgy, the words flow well on the page and are not wasted. This book is an intriguing view of the modern world in the modern style. It is social history in verse.

I particularly enjoyed 'The Bucket Shallow' and 'Magpies and 'Murder' to name but a few.

This anthology is an important, thought-provoking read.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was invited to read Grenade Rain Dance by the author and felt it was a good opportunity to broaden my reading experience. I found the contents thought-provoking, presented in a unique way with intriguing insights into modern times. I'm not avid reader of poetry (modern or otherwise) and in all fairness to the author, I wouldn't be within the target audience for a piece such as this. For lovers of contemporary poetry, I believe this would be a great read. I would give it a 3.5 out of 5, if possible.

[Rob · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am quite new to the world of modern poetry, where the flow of the words arranged on the page, are as important to the poet as the actual written verses themselves, however I found 'Grenade Rain Dance' to be an engaging and interesting read. Alban Woods (a.k.a Calibna J Kerr) has created a very thought provoking work, using energetic and descriptive language that dances across the pages, in a style that is very much his own.

[Bethany Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping and wonderfully executed poetry book. The junk talk poet stands out above the rest as his poems could be described as dirty realism but are unique and beautifully articulated. His titles and metaphors are incredibly creative. If you're passionate about art this is an amazing piece of literary art.

[Jenny Gibbons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not normally a fan of poetry. Yet the poems in this book -- dark, grim, and honest -- resonated with me. I particularly loved "The Others", a meditation on how every part of our lives happens because of other people.

[Adrianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a story that at first seems disjointed and ruminative and then blends into a tale of contemplation from the perspective of the street and the denizens of that gritty place, where time is measured between cigarettes and the sound of gulls crying their raucous songs catches on the light as it travels over brick and ash, over paint and greasy pores. An absolutely visceral wander though the eyes and breath of the disenfranchised, the graffiti artists and the blue collar men, the tired walls of buildings holding stale dreams. There is a current of anxiety threading through the pages but also one of hope, thin, but apparent. And excellent read...

[Jon Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Urban unhymns these poems anxiety through city life street mind like stabs of pain and sadness bukowski like in their disdain for the crowd civilisation is a gyp “the carousel of could have beens” and perhaps the answer found in the mire “you have to navigate the nightmare the ecstasy “ existential modern life

[Niels · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my first and only year of English literature we read a lot of Ezra Weston Loomis Pound, I found the prose of that author might impressive but somewhat lacking to my interest from being in the clouds too much, even the learned hermit would need to refresh on myths and history to fully comprehend the message. Perhaps I’m wrong in my assume that but this work reminds me of the contemporary movement characterized by Mr. Pound in English literature, while still retaining messages of deep felt modern circumstances, the struggle and hope alongside one another. The author glides in darkness on hard white ice, it strikes home, so bring your helmet and enjoy the rush. Beautiful work of truth.

[Bethany Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely, captivating, piece of art this collection is. I was taken down many dark and thought provoking roads, with Whitby satirical humour making an appearance. I truly become lost when I read anything by Alban Woods. His ability to manipulate language and rhythm in the unique way that he does is inspired.

[Fizzy Twizler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The style of poetry is refreshingly different. A collection of short poems telling a wider story. Very thought provoking and touching.

[Carol Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This latest collection by Calibra J. Kerr is not always a comfortable or comforting read, but satisfying and stimulating it certainly is.
As someone who has lived, worked and relaxed in a large city the poet's words resonated with me and jolted me in equal measure.
The influences of Allen Ginsberg and other ' beat generation ' writers is clear, but the form and structure are the poet's own. The descriptions and the imagery created by the use of alliteration, metaphor and word layout can both shock and delight .
If you are a lover of contemporary poetry this offering will not disappoint. If you are more of a traditionalist I urge you to waive any pre conceptions and read this refreshing work.

[Param Johal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Junk talk poet strikes again!!! Great read, each poem offers something different but couldn't help but relating to them in very different ways. Writer definitely has a way with words and his descriptions have you hanging on to each word for more. Best way to summarise for me is that the wordplay captures exactly what you are thinking but you never can grasp the words to do so. Big fan of the poet's style, would definitely recommend to anyone to read- still going at the collection a few days in. Can't get enough !!!

[Anne Amison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been following Calibna J Kerr’s work with interest for some time, and I would recommend the latest collection to anyone with an interest in modern poetry, and anyone appreciative of the opportunity to view a poetic voice and style as they develop and grow. In the latest collection we find playfulness with the impact of typeface and the layout of words upon the page, and experimentation with the juxtaposition of contrasting ideas. The use of imagery to build mental pictures is often quite startling. Grenade Rain Dance offers much to enjoy and to think about.

[Mr L O Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

The authenticity and compelling manner in which complex social issues are addressed within this poetry blew me away. I rarely read poetry for pleasure but found this work to be narratively strong and captivating. This poetry forces you to question and to reflect. It provokes thought but is still a page turner. The use of language is stunning. Poignant metaphor after poignant metaphor. If you appreciate the art form that is language, then this is quite simply essential reading. More please!

[Judy Ferrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poetry for today. This poet delves into the soul of the world. He used verse to show the world all of its good and bad parts. I found it poignant and at times fascinating. This poet has a unique mind. He seems able to see all the parts of a story and explain it in the easiest understand way possible.

[Bethany Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another tantalising collection of poetry from the Junk Talk Poet. With every book released, I fall more in love with the authors use of alliteration, meter and rhythm. All of this paired with the poet’s unique view on the world around us, makes this a book you will not regret reading!

[Waqar Mahmood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Initially I was just reading it for the sake of reading it but I can now say I have never related to something more than I have with this. I’m not really a connoisseur of poems or of much reading material since I left university but I don’t regret any of the time spent reading this.

[Tom Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gripping piece of literature from Calibna J Kerr. Calibna shows us his unique and distinctive take on the English language, with striking imagery sure to make you question the current times. Must read 10/10

[Tom Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling exploration of a post apocalyptic future not so different from our own through the medium of poetry, another masterpiece from the junk talk poet!