But the sun, and the ships, and the fish, and the waves

Conyer Clayton's follow-up to her award-winning debut, We Shed Our Skin Like Dynamite, is a collection of prose poems that employ surrealism, humor, and body horror to cope with CPTSD, assault, loss, fear, and the memories of it all. The narrator weaves her way through largely aquatic landscapes, revisiting childhood and foreshadowing the inevitable with a calm derived from accepting the absurd. These poems validate dreams, internal experience, and all internal experience as authentic and valid, even when we don't know it.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 80 pages
Publication date: 10 July 2022
Publisher: Anvil Press Publishers Inc

Conyer Clayton's follow-up to her award-winning debut, We Shed Our Skin Like Dynamite, is a captivating collection of prose poems that delve into the depths of coping with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD), assault, loss, fear, and the haunting memories that accompany these experiences. The narrator navigates through largely aquatic landscapes, including water parks, ponds, beast-filled lakes, vast oceans, and time, effortlessly shifting between childhood and adulthood within a few lines. With a confidence rooted in dreamscapes, she foreshadows the inevitable with a serene acceptance of the absurd. These poems, characterized by their hallucinatory and unexpected nature, are interwoven with repetition: Here is another car accident. Here is another man to flee from. Here is the interrogation of memory. Here is the site of grief, revisited and sometimes tentatively embraced, with a glimmer of hope.

In these profound poems, Clayton delves into the intricate process of questioning the validity of our own memories, particularly those related to abuse and assault. She explores the ways in which we may forget or obsess over potentially forgetting the memories of those who have passed away. Through her words, Clayton validates the authenticity and validity of dreams and all internal experiences, recognizing them as genuine and wise, even when we are unaware of their wisdom.

This collection of prose poems offers a profound exploration of the human condition, offering solace, understanding, and a glimmer of hope to those who have faced trauma. Clayton's poetic language is rich, evocative, and deeply relatable, making her work accessible to a wide audience. Her ability to blend surrealism, humor, and body horror seamlessly creates a tapestry of emotions that resonate with readers on a profound level.

In conclusion, Conyer Clayton's follow-up to We Shed Our Skin Like Dynamite is a remarkable achievement that showcases her talent as a poet. Through her powerful and evocative prose, Clayton invites readers to embark on a journey of healing, introspection, and empowerment. This collection is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of poetry to transcend trauma and offer hope for a brighter future.

ISBN-13: 9781772141924