In the realm of contemporary American poetry, Bob Hicok stands out as a visionary voice, crafting a body of work that delves into the enigmatic depths of language, consciousness, and the complexities of the human body. His 2009 collection, Red Rover Red Rover, is a testament to his unique poetic vision, earning him widespread critical acclaim and cementing his position as a preeminent figure in the literary landscape.
The Language of Dissolution and Creation
Throughout Red Rover Red Rover, Hicok interrogates the very essence of language, exploring its transformative power and its capacity to both dissolve and create meaning. In the poem "Car Crash," he writes, "Words spilling out / like teeth from a cracked skull." This visceral imagery underscores the profound impact words can have on our perception of reality. Language, in Hicok's hands, becomes a fluid, malleable substance that can both heal and inflict wounds.
5 out of 5
| Language | : | English |
| File size | : | 1037 KB |
| Text-to-Speech | : | Enabled |
| Screen Reader | : | Supported |
| Enhanced typesetting | : | Enabled |
| Print length | : | 97 pages |
| Paperback | : | 46 pages |
| Item Weight | : | 4.2 ounces |
| Dimensions | : | 6 x 0.12 x 9 inches |
In "The House at the End of the Street," he further delves into the evocative potential of language: "The house at the end of the street / is a word / that I have forgotten." By presenting a house as a forgotten word, Hicok blurs the boundaries between the physical and the linguistic, inviting readers to contemplate the interconnectedness of language and the world we inhabit.
Exploring the Body's Landscapes
The body occupies a central place in Hicok's poetic universe. In Red Rover Red Rover, he explores the body's intricate landscapes, revealing the complex interplay between the physical and the metaphysical.
In "The Body Electric," he writes, "My body is a field / of electric currents." This electrifying imagery evokes the body's inherent energy and vitality, while also suggesting its connectivity to the wider cosmos. The body, in Hicok's view, is a site of profound mystery and wonder, a vessel through which we experience the full spectrum of human existence.
In "The Night Sky," he delves into the body's profound connection to the natural world: "My body is a night sky / full of stars." This metaphorical language draws parallels between the vastness of the universe and the equally boundless mysteries of the human body. Hicok invites readers to explore the interconnectedness of the self and the cosmos, revealing the profound unity that underlies all existence.
Themes of Loss, Memory, and Identity
Bob Hicok's Red Rover Red Rover is also deeply infused with themes of loss, memory, and the search for identity. In "Elegy for My Father," he writes, "I remember my father's hands / the way they held me / like a small bird." This tender and evocative language captures the profound bond between father and son, while also hinting at the inevitable passage of time and the loss that comes with it.
In "The Name," he delves into the complexities of identity: "I have been called many names / but the one I was born with / is the one I cannot remember." This haunting exploration of the self raises questions about the nature of identity and the ways in which our names shape who we are. Hicok masterfully weaves together personal experience and philosophical inquiry, inviting readers to confront the elusive nature of the human condition.
A Poetics of Mystery and Revelation
Bob Hicok's Red Rover Red Rover is a collection that defies easy categorization. It is a work of profound mysticism, exploring the enigmatic depths of language, consciousness, and the human body. Hicok's unique poetic vision challenges conventional notions of reality, opening up new possibilities for understanding the world around us.
Through his innovative use of language and his profound insights into the human condition, Hicok invites readers on a transformative journey. Red Rover Red Rover is a collection that will resonate deeply with readers long after they have finished its pages, leaving them with a profound sense of awe and wonder.
