Gold Cure

In his poem "Gold Cure," Ted Mathys explores the pursuit of shimmering ideals, buried histories, and legacies of conquest in the context of boomtown gold mines, the mythical city of El Dorado, and fracking wells in the American interior. Using crystalline language rich with allegory and wordplay, Mathys crafts a moving elegy for the Anthropocene.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 01 October 2020
Publisher: Coffee House Press

Gold Cure, a luminous and expansive work, traverses a vast expanse, from the bustling gold mines of boomtowns to the mythical city of El Dorado, and even to the depths of the American interior, where it unearths buried histories, legacies of conquest, and the relentless pursuit of shimmering ideals. Ted Mathys, with his sharp wit and poetic prowess, takes a bold approach, using the framework of nursery rhymes to skewer police brutality and infuse Petrarchan sonnets with the ruggedness of shale fields. In his crystalline language, rich with allegory and wordplay, Mathys has crafted a poignant elegy for our times, a lament for the Anthropocene.

The novel opens in the bustling gold mines of the American West, where miners toil under the scorching sun, their bodies covered in dust and sweat. The air is thick with the scent of dynamite and the sound of machinery, as they search for the precious metal that has brought them to this desolate place. Amidst the chaos, a young man named Jack emerges as a hero, his courage and determination inspiring those around him.

Jack's journey takes him from the gold mines to the mythical city of El Dorado, a place of legend and myth. He believes that the city is filled with riches and treasures beyond his wildest dreams, and he is determined to find it. Along the way, he encounters a diverse range of characters, from the ruthless mining boss to the wise old shaman, each with their own secrets and motivations.

As Jack continues his quest, he becomes increasingly aware of the environmental toll that the mining industry is taking on the land. He witnesses the destruction of pristine forests and the poisoning of rivers, and he begins to question the morality of his pursuit. He wonders if the gold he seeks is worth the cost to the environment and to the people who live in it.

In the city of El Dorado, Jack encounters a group of rebels who are fighting against the mining industry. They are led by a woman named Maria, who has a deep connection to the land and a fierce determination to protect it. Jack joins their cause, using his skills as a miner to help them in their fight.

Together, they face numerous challenges, from the ruthless security forces of the mining company to the treacherous terrain of the jungle. But they are determined to succeed, and they use their knowledge and resources to outsmart their opponents.

As Jack becomes more involved in the rebel cause, he begins to develop feelings for Maria. He sees her as a kindred spirit, someone who shares his passion for the environment and his desire to make a difference. But their relationship is complicated by the fact that Maria is already in a relationship with another man, a powerful mining boss named Victor.

Victor is a ruthless and calculating man, who will stop at nothing to protect his interests. He sees Jack as a threat to his empire, and he is determined to eliminate him. He sends his henchmen to kill Jack, and they engage in a fierce battle in the city's streets.

In the end, Jack emerges victorious. He kills Victor and saves Maria from his grasp. He is hailed as a hero by the rebels, and he is celebrated as a champion of the environment. But he knows that his victory is bittersweet, and he is haunted by the knowledge that the mining industry will continue to wreak havoc on the land.

Gold Cure is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores the intersection of greed, power, and the environment. It is a testament to the human capacity for both destruction and redemption, and it reminds us of the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

In conclusion, Gold Cure is a masterpiece of contemporary literature that deserves to be read by anyone who cares about the world we live in. It is a novel that challenges our assumptions and inspires us to think critically about the choices we make in our lives. It is a testament to the power of poetry and the human spirit, and it reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a better future.

Weight: 158g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781566895811