Black Beetles in Amber

A striking assemblage of verses, this work gathers poems first scattered across coastal newspapers and reshapes them into a single, resonant collection. The poet’s voice is at once witty and critical, turning everyday scandals and personalities into sharp, timeless commentary. Readers familiar with the Pacific‑West milieu will recognize the references, while newcomers can still appreciate the universal bite of satire.

The opening poem drifts into a dream‑like seascape where a phantom island teems with illusory roses and silent sirens. As the speaker follows a fragrant, otherworldly scent through a moon‑lit forest, the verses conjure vivid images of blood‑stained limbs and haunting lights, blurring the line between reality and imagination. The language is lush and unsettling, inviting listeners to linger on each surreal detail.

Later sections shift tone, invoking biblical echo‑es and a stark meditation on guilt, justice, and familial betrayal. The poet’s plea for divine illumination and the stark imagery of a branded brow lend a somber counterpoint to the earlier flights of fancy. Together, the pieces create a mosaic that is both intellectually provocative and hauntingly lyrical.