MAMMAL by Richard Loranger
128 pages
ISBN: 978-0-937804-91-9
Publication date: October 2023
Roof Books
Richard Loranger’s new collection Mammal is a wild ride through language and thought, a poetic exploration of identity, existence, and the fluidity of self. Loranger employs a rich tapestry of words, creating a symphony of imagery and ideas. Each section delves into different facets of the human experience, from the introspective questioning of the self to the broader reflections on life, nature, and society.
The use of unconventional language and the play with pronouns adds a unique and experimental flavor to the text. Loranger is challenging traditional notions of selfhood and inviting readers to reconsider the boundaries of identity. This themed collection is carefully constructed so that it works as a unified text, but let me highlight a few sample pieces. Consider the poem “First Person Singular,” a poem delves into the transient nature of various elements, from tangible things like ice cream and granite to abstract concepts like marriages and ideals. The dissolution theme is well-woven throughout, creating a sense of impermanence that extends even to language and identity. The imagery of dissolving teeth in sand and cells within us is visceral, making the reader feel the impermanence at a personal level. The metaphor of sliding like pudding into history is both vivid and evocative, capturing the gradual and inevitable passage of time. Loranger’s exploration of pronouns and their dissolution is a direct way to question the very foundations of identity, suggesting that even the first person singular may be a construct that fades over time. The imagery of the umbilicus and the long cord swinging pendulous adds a unique perspective, blending biological and cosmic elements. The poem also plays with language and sound, using alliteration and internal rhyme effectively. The line “splitting cells and singing” is particularly resonant, echoing the dual nature of creation and decay. “Permission” is another striking piece, a rollercoaster of sensory imagery and metaphor, taking the reader on a journey through a visceral and potent experience. The use of vivid language creates a powerful and almost overwhelming atmosphere, invoking a sense of passion and desire. Each line is loaded with sensory details that contribute to the overall intensity of the experience being described. The extended metaphor of the kitchen table and the human pie adds a layer of complexity to the poem, drawing on the theme of consumption and merging physical and emotional elements. The language is both bold and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the poet’s surrender to the touch of another. Turning to the poem “Regeneration” Loranger treats the reader to a juxtaposition of vivid and chaotic images, such as “arms flung wide” and “decay,” and creates a sense of disarray and turbulence. The repeated references to elements like “miasma,” “lakes,” and “barnacles of urge” contribute to a rich tapestry of symbolism, inviting the reader to navigate the intricate layers of meaning. The use of imperatives like “let’s try signaling the archetype to calm down a minute” and the plea for a moment of respite makes the poem personal and human. It’s as if the poet is reaching out for connection amidst the chaos, seeking a shared understanding and a reprieve from the overwhelming challenges he faces. The concluding lines with the imagery of a “new body lifting in ungated spree” and the reminiscence of a “long slide down the hill” provide a hopeful note. It suggests a willingness to embrace change, learn from mistakes, and embark on a journey of renewal. The poem’s density and complexity are the qualities that make it a compelling piece. The fusion of raw emotion and intricate language creates a powerful exploration of the human experience and the continuous cycle of regeneration. One more sample of from this rich collection, “New York Careen:” The intensity of this poem is palpable, capturing the chaotic energy of a hectic day in the city. The language is bold and unapologetic, with a mix of profanity that adds to the raw emotion. The rapid pace and stream-of-consciousness style mirror the frenetic energy of New York itself. The imagery is vivid and eclectic, from the “karma hole” to the “mama choo-choo kama suturing.” The juxtaposition of seemingly disparate elements—Pink Pony poetry, Night & Day jazz, and a giant soothing turtle love—creates a surreal and dreamlike atmosphere. It’s like a collage of experiences, blending together in a unique and unpredictable way. The ending with “leaning back greening & grinning” and the repetitive “washes me” lines brings a sense of release and catharsis, as if the intense experiences of the day are being cleansed away. The poem captures the essence of finding solace and joy in the midst of chaos. Overall, it’s a visceral and energetic piece that immerses the reader in a whirlwind of emotions and experiences. Richard Loranger’s Mammal is an intellectually stimulating read, pushing the boundaries of language and challenging readers to explore the intricacies of their own existence. The poetic style and the provocative content make it a work that invites multiple readings, allowing readers to discover new layers of meaning with each encounter. Review by Richard Modiano
Poetry Reviews