The Trouble with Light

In his debut collection, "The Trouble with Light," Jeremy Michael Clark explores themes of belonging, survival, knowledge, and self-discovery through lyrical poems that reflect on his history of familial trauma. The poems are set in Louisville, Kentucky, and juxtapose the sorrows of alienation and self-neglect with the restorative power of human connection. Clark's poems are vulnerable and transporting, offering a vital record of how grief can endure and how we can endure ourselves.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 76 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2024
Publisher: University of Arkansas Press

In his captivating collection, "The Trouble with Light," Jeremy Michael Clark delves deep into the profound impact of familial trauma, exploring themes of belonging, survival, knowledge, and self-discovery through a series of unflinching lyrical poems. With a raw honesty and poetic prowess, Clark weaves a tapestry of emotions, revealing his own struggles with body neglect, vulnerability, and the fear of dirt. His poems encompass a wide range of subjects, from the complexities of intimacy to the intricacies of lineage, identity, faith, and addiction.

Set predominantly in the poet's hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, "The Trouble with Light" showcases Clark's ability to capture the essence of interiority. Through his vivid portraits, he skillfully juxtaposes the sorrows of alienation and self-neglect with the healing power of human connection. In one of the most tender and nuanced poems in the collection, Clark recalls a moment of doubt that strikes like lightning across the night, leaving a lingering sense of uncertainty. He questions the existence of love, portraying it as a fleeting sensation that precedes a thunderclap, only to be followed by the darkness once again.

"The Trouble with Light" is a vulnerable and transporting debut that serves as a vital record of the enduring nature of grief and our capacity for resilience. Clark's poetic language is rich with imagery and metaphor, evoking a sense of both pain and beauty. His poems resonate with readers on a personal level, offering solace, understanding, and a glimmer of hope. Through his exploration of the complexities of the human experience, Clark invites us to confront our own struggles, embrace vulnerability, and find solace in the connections that bind us.

Weight: 136g
Dimension: 139 x 217 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781682262498