"Quiet Rising: A Review of 'Side-Eye on the Apocalypse' by the Los Angeles Poets & Writers Collective" by Jose' Arevalo

Side-Eye on the Apocalypse (independent, 2021) is a powerful collection of poems and hybrid work by the Los Angeles Poets & Writers Collective that captures the essence of the initial pandemic year of 2020. Los Angeles Poets & Writers Collective is an informal group of diverse writers who have been inspired by Method Writing as developed by well-known Los Angeles writing mentor, Jack Grapes. In their raw and honest verses, the poets offer a glimpse into the chaotic world we found ourselves in at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. The poems in this collection are deeply personal and sometimes unsettling, reflecting the anxiety and uncertainty of the time. They touch on themes of isolation, fear, loss, and hope, with each poet offering a unique perspective on the turbulent pandemic experience.
Organizing the poetry book into seasons creates an organic progression that corresponds with the evolution of a year, enabling readers to better understand the collection's theme and appreciate the ties between poems. As each season has its unique qualities that can evoke different moods and atmospheres, grouping poems according to the seasons offers a unique sensory and emotional experience for the reader. These poems also reflect on how we are connected to the world around us and the cyclical nature of life. By so doing, the poetry conveys universality and timelessness, as readers are able to relate it to their own lives and experiences.
Sage Allene's poem, "Quiet Rising," stood out to me as a captivating and inspiring poem that details the unorthodox stillness and calm that accompanied the epidemic's early days. The poet describes how silence replaced everyday sounds. The vivid imagery and metaphors in this poem give it depth and texture. Its lines, "I become the horizon line, crisp and distinct," and "I become silence. I become me," stand out as powerful examples of the author's self-discovery. As the piece ends, it becomes apparent that the world is waiting for the quiet to rise. I found "Quiet Rising" to be a thought-provoking, inspiring poem that celebrates the beauty and peace found in stillness, as well as the self-discovery and creative growth it can lead to.
This book contains a number of unusual pieces. "Sheltering in Space" by Donna Peck is a mesmerizing poem that creates a sense of dislocation and disorientation by using disjointed phrases and enigmatic imagery. In metaphorical language, the poet invites the reader to "join in" on her journey through space. Yet the fragmentation contributes to the poem's sense of longing and search. Throughout the poem, the poet repeatedly refers to "spirit" and "heart," indicating her search for deeper connection in an increasingly hollow, disconnected world. Peck’s poem is an evocative and haunting piece that ultimately inspires the reader to embark on a journey of discovery and self-discovery.
There is something about the range of voices contained in Side-Eye on the Apocalypse that makes it so compelling. A collection of poetry from both established poets and emerging writers brings together a diversity of styles and perspectives. Ultimately, there is no doubt that this represents the diverse cultures and voices that collectively make up Los Angeles. Overall, Side-Eye on the Apocalypse is a powerful and timely collection that captures the collective experience of the pandemic year. It is a must-read for anyone looking to make sense of the tumultuous times we found ourselves in.

Jose' Arevalo

Jose' Arevalo is the Social Media Curator for MORIA's Issue Eleven. Originally from Los Angeles, he is currently an undergraduate student at Woodbury University and a U.S. military veteran. Jose's Hispanic heritage deeply influences his desire to highlight diverse voices. His passion for exploration has taken him on numerous adventures, exposing him to a vast array of cultures. Jose's unique life experiences have shaped his belief in art and literature's transformative power.