Book Reviews

Poetry with a Punch

Exhale in Phosphorus is a collection of poetry that works in reverse. Where, with writers like Robert Frost, the physical world is used to comment on sentiment and the human spirit, Crayns takes a different approach. By using both physical and philosophical metaphor and simile, he actually describes the carnal and physical aspects of the human world. His work is erotic and often intense. Crayns unabashedly and proudly extols the virtues of human carnality and the art of physical passion.

Crayns has a unique style of poetry and expression. For the most part, his style remains very consistent throughout the work, consisting of the three line stanzas continuing for varying lengths, but he uses the length of the lines themselves to emphasize and elaborate. This creates a simultaneously fast-paced and deep rhythm that gives him room to excite the reader how he sees fit. The variation doesn’t always work out, however, and some poems leave the reader wanting more value and meaning.

One of the strengths of Crayns work is its wider appeal. Its straightforward nature and erotic implications make it more accessible to many who would otherwise not read poetry, where its often-meaningful passages offer something for avid poetry-buffs as well. Exhale in Phosphorus is as colorful as its title suggests, and is worth a curious glance.

T.B. Koskie

Media Researcher and Educator

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“A Raw Diversion”

Crayns’ poetry is definitely colorful with hard, dark shades. The strong and raw words used to portray love, life and the world clearly convey the passion to the readers. It’s rough but has an inner depth to smooth out the impact on the reader.

The structures of the poems are lucid and consistent. While reading it, the short, descriptive phrases/prose had the most intensity. One of his poems, “Tango”, starts with “Smiles start the dance/Eyes lock/Hands clasp/Excited bodies slant…” It’s very short but gives clear imagery and impassions the reader. It doesn’t need complex metaphors or similes to be juxtaposed. He has his own way of writing that really speaks to the reader.

The tones of the poems are also very consistent, strong and terse. Frequent use of the first person voice gives the impression that the poems are about the poet or the reader themselves. His sentiments on life and his interpretation of his world and surroundings are quite intimate but thorny. The use of imagery and eloquent words really paint the pictures and leave a long-lasting impression of the poem.

Crayns knows exactly what he wants to portray and he doesn’t try to hide it. He speaks out to the readers directly. His coarse and simplistic style is by no means amateur but rather compelling and it targets a diverse audience.

Crayns’ poems fit right into the very nature of the fast-paced world, and they are definitely poems for diversion.

M E Brown

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