THOUGHTS OF A POET IN THE RAIN

A collection of 32 poems. The first poem, an appropriate scene-setter, describes the dreamlike (or rather, nightmarish) quality of Kuhn’s poetic inspiration. It is clear from the start that his military experience has played a significant part in forming his poetic voice. His poetic journey is in part a survey of the battlefields – both metaphoric and literal – on which he has fought.

THE GIRL WHO LIVED BEHIND is an extraordinarily powerful poem, an account of a suicide. It is my favorite of the collection.

Kuhn does not employ strictly formal meters, but he makes extensive use of rhyme, and occasional alliteration and assonance. Most lines have their own internal rhythm

A great strength of Kuhn’s work is that he explores human suffering, including his own, without a hint of self-pity. There is thus a heroism – strength in adversity – pervading his work. It is not so much an expression of existential angst as a stoical acceptance of what life throws at us. These poems are the means by which the poet comes to accept his (and others’) suffering.

An interesting contemporary poet who is well worth reading.

I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review, which is the only kind I give anyway.
[Peter Reeve]