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A review by embot77
Up Jump the Boogie by John Murillo, Martín Espada
5.0
As a connoisseur of poetry, I've had the pleasure of delving into countless collections, but few have left me as spellbound as John Murillo's "Up Jump the Boogie." This five-star masterpiece is a testament to Murillo's undeniable talent and his ability to craft verse that transcends mere words, reaching deep into the soul of the reader.
One of the standout poems in this collection is "Stolen Starlight Lounge Sutra," a mesmerizing piece that showcases Murillo's mastery of language and form. Through the clever use of repetition, rhythm, and enjambment, Murillo creates a hauntingly beautiful melody that lingers long after the final stanza. The poem's impulse to sing of endurance within negative space is executed flawlessly, drawing readers into a world where every word is a note in a symphony of emotion.
What sets Murillo's poetry apart is his meticulous attention to detail. Almost every line holds an idea, a revelation waiting to be uncovered by the discerning reader. Each word is carefully chosen, each phrase meticulously crafted to evoke a specific emotion or thought. It's this level of craftsmanship that sets "Up Jump the Boogie" apart from other collections, elevating it to the realm of timeless art.
But perhaps the most valuable takeaway from Murillo's work is his innovative approach to poetic form. In "Up Jump the Boogie," he seamlessly combines elements of a cento with a bop or a musical groove, creating a unique fusion of form and function that is both captivating and thought-provoking. It's a testament to Murillo's creativity and willingness to push the boundaries of traditional poetry, resulting in a collection that feels fresh and exciting with each turn of the page.
In conclusion, "Up Jump the Boogie" is a tour de force of poetic brilliance that demands to be read and reread, savored and cherished. John Murillo's words have a way of burrowing into the deepest recesses of the mind, leaving an indelible mark on the reader's perception of imprisonment.
One of the standout poems in this collection is "Stolen Starlight Lounge Sutra," a mesmerizing piece that showcases Murillo's mastery of language and form. Through the clever use of repetition, rhythm, and enjambment, Murillo creates a hauntingly beautiful melody that lingers long after the final stanza. The poem's impulse to sing of endurance within negative space is executed flawlessly, drawing readers into a world where every word is a note in a symphony of emotion.
What sets Murillo's poetry apart is his meticulous attention to detail. Almost every line holds an idea, a revelation waiting to be uncovered by the discerning reader. Each word is carefully chosen, each phrase meticulously crafted to evoke a specific emotion or thought. It's this level of craftsmanship that sets "Up Jump the Boogie" apart from other collections, elevating it to the realm of timeless art.
But perhaps the most valuable takeaway from Murillo's work is his innovative approach to poetic form. In "Up Jump the Boogie," he seamlessly combines elements of a cento with a bop or a musical groove, creating a unique fusion of form and function that is both captivating and thought-provoking. It's a testament to Murillo's creativity and willingness to push the boundaries of traditional poetry, resulting in a collection that feels fresh and exciting with each turn of the page.
In conclusion, "Up Jump the Boogie" is a tour de force of poetic brilliance that demands to be read and reread, savored and cherished. John Murillo's words have a way of burrowing into the deepest recesses of the mind, leaving an indelible mark on the reader's perception of imprisonment.