Liturgics for the Hordes and Scads and Myriads, by Alan Cohol, published Temporary Vandalism Recordings, January 1996, 38pp. Price $6.00 U.S. (includes postage) made payable to: Robert Roden, P.O.Box 6184, Orange CA 92863, United States.

In Alan Cohol’s second collection Liturgics for the Hordes and Scads and Myriads, a series of seemingly momentary thoughts are rendered in a way that makes them all but fleeting. Set against a display of classical and religious symbols and images, Cohol’s poems speak of harsh and bare realities. One of the remarkable strengths of Cohol’s verse lies in his stream-of-consciousness style that allows him to open a moment, admire it, and make it last. To lengthen the stay of each passing thought, Cohol translates it into sound and rhythm. We certainly feel and hear “the sound / of separating flesh “ in the poem “Guilty” (6). Unfortunately, this is a quality his haiku pieces fail to achieve.

Some poems are expressions of a desire for release, as in “Bryan Adams Never Did This,” (12-13) a beautifully rhythmic piece in which escape is sought through a momentary earthly union dreamed by the speaker:

I know she’s as desperate as I
to forget something tonight,
and if I had the money
we could forget together. (13)

The passing wish is almost forgotten; however, the feelings of separation and longing remain throughout the collection and culminate in “Ophelia,” (36-37) perhaps one of the strongest expressions of separateness, because it is so close the reader can touch it.

Several of Cohol’s pieces are short, perfectly crafted gems that draw his readers into the moment and leave us lingering. We become the participant in “Guilty,” (6) the uncomfortable witness in “Placebo” (4-5) and “Television Dinner,” (23) and the arbitrary judge of “An Important Piece of Art.” (11) In the end, we are left cheering, like the woman in “A Small Gift,” (29) for his half-page poems, the “short ones: / poems / that jumped up quick / and drove the point / home.” (29)

For those of you who don't know BARD has re-started. The next reading will be on the ususal third tuesday of the month (Nov. 19, 1996), at 8:00pm. It will feature the legendary and original ottawa beat poet William Hawkins, who will bring us back to different generation with his poetry and music. Also, BARD will be launching the chapbook Fluting Through Bamboo, by Christal Steck, as always there will be and open set after the featured readers.

Have you seen the writing on the wall

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Managing Editor: b stephen harding, Editor: Robert Craig, Consulting Editor: Seymour Mayne, Art Consultant: Kane Faucher
Guest Editor: David Collins
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