I Look at You Instead of the Road by Blake Lapin

 

Available on: https://bottlecap.press/products/instead

I Look at You Instead of the Road by Blake Lapin embarks on an emotional odyssey through the intricate layers of grief, loss, and the ever-shifting landscapes of existence. Blake's adept navigation of life's intricacies with unfiltered honesty and vulnerability makes this collection a captivating exploration of the human experience.

Commencing with "Mourning in the Evening," the collection presents Blake grappling with the untimely demise of a friend, expertly weaving threads of memory, regret, and the challenges of mourning. “It’s your birthday so I smoke three cigarettes for you, a habit I’ve subdued and revive for this day as if it’s a favor.” The narrative unfolds as a personal confessional, establishing an intimate bond with readers through vivid imagery and metaphorical language.

As the book progresses, Blake explores diverse themes and experiences. "Petrichor, Midnight" contemplates the passage of time and the self-destructive tendencies tied to indulgence, while "In Baltimore" encapsulates the essence of reckless abandon and the pursuit of meaning amid hedonistic exploits.

Petrichor, Midnight

Basement full of bodies,

Something missing:

Our childhood friend,

And he’s skipped (selfishly)

Two years of our lives,

Simply refusing

To ask permission

No matter how many of us demand

Consultation before departure.

The collection delves into the existential with pieces like "On Life," where poet ruminates on the unpredictability of existence and the beauty found in unspoken moments. Each poem offers a peek into the author's inner world, unraveling the complexities of human connection, the weight of grief, and the ceaseless quest for meaning.

Lapin's language is both evocative and contemplative, creating a melodic cadence that resonates in the reader's mind. The incorporation of vivid sensory details, such as the aroma of a peeling orange or the sensation of cold wind on the skin, heightens the emotional impact of each piece.

- Rochak Agarwal ( Author of Beneath The Words, Cyberwit.net )

Author Bio

Blake Lapin's (He/Him) chapbook, “I Look at You Instead of the Road,” was published in 2022 by Bottlecap Press. His poems have appeared in No Dear, Foothill Poetry Journal, and Community of Writers Review. He resides in Flatbush, Brooklyn and enjoys conversation.