COVER REVEAL
swivel swing rumba shrub by Rose Maloukis & Love Songs for the Hat Man by Natalie Co
The poems in “swivel swing rumba shrub” flow through the letters of the alphabet in an abecedarian that’s fluid, elastic. Rose Maloukis describes this collection as a dance and to my ears it feels like a waltz, as tender, poised, and transcendent as Strauss’ “Blue Danube.” These poems speak a language all their own, driven by an idiosyncratic pulse and sway that guides their choreography across the page in a way that readers of Maloukis’ other works will recognize as trademark. Few writers blend the conceptual and the creative with as much joy, vivacity, and sheer captivating oddness. Another triumph from one of Montreal’s great literary imaginations.
Have you ever met the Hat Man? Drink enough Benadryl and he may just clamber through the window to steal your heart. “Love Songs for the Hat Man” is a surreal lament through the seasons, ushering the depths of February winter out to be replaced by April’s rejuvenations. But nothing about Co’s narrative feels linear; we do not fall into the timeline of her poetry but rather, as her Yo La Tengo epigraph intimates, we are invited to “fall out of time.” More fever-dream than travelogue, the language of Co’s prose ripples, reflects, blooms, plunges, and finally drifts out into a raven-black world of her own making.
Join us for the launch of these two amazing additions to the Cactus Press Chapbook Series on May 17th at the illustrious @barlerecord in cooperation with the Accent Reading Series.
@poetinoxalis@nataliewco@accent_open_mic
Covers by @chiffersofnewlyn
Join us on May 17th at the ever faithful Bar Le Record on St. Hubert for another evening of poetry and prose hijinks featuring guest readings by Devon Gallant, Rose Maloukis, and Natalie Co. As always, sign up for the open mic at the door!
Theme: Play
Where: Bar Le Record (7622 Rue St-Hubert)
When: 8pm
