A review by jamjunrb
No Country for Eight-Spot Butterflies: A Lyric Essay by Julian Aguon

emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

5.0

Aguon’s writings are so potently honest and presented with such clarity that they refuse the complications of vernacular while still conveying the complexities of the presented subjects. This Lyric essay is breathtaking and invigorating, particularly as a writer of color. Aguon denies doom and instead looks at unjust destruction, death, and decay as the background to the more important project of gentle, quiet hope and resilience. It is a fortitudinous act and invocation of radical witnesses to not turn away and speak the unspeakable to push forward. This powerful read delivers a concise and emotionally compelling message in an accessible and optimistic tone that is well worth meditation. Potentially one of my favorite and most resonant reads this year!