War of the Foxes

As always, Siken has a remarkable ability to craft the most brilliant and beautiful turns of phrase.

Unfortunately, the poems he fashioned out of them...I hadn't a blasted clue what they were supposed to mean 80% of the time. If I hadn't been reading this for a challenge - and felt like I owed it to Siken to keep trudging through after how long I've adored Crush - I would have put it down after a couple pages.

Still, there were a couple good poems in there and several great quotes. I mean:

“Everyone needs a place. It shouldn't be inside of someone else.”

He definitely still has a way with words.

But overall, the poems were aimless, and the few themes that made any sense were strange and disturbing.

The only thing this collection succeeded in doing is making me want to re-read Crush. I didn't want Crush all over again, but I expected something with the similar depth and feeling. And I most definitely did not get it.

3 stars. Barely.

Many of the poems have an almost sensual/spiritual involvement with paint and painting, perhaps unsurprising from a poet who is also a painter (cover image is by a different artist, but fits the vibe). 
Some read like writing prompts or story fragments, others like a debate a man is having with himself, thinking outloud in half sentences. Partway through observations that feel profound, he veers off into what looks like an airing of neuroses. 
Quite possible if I was in an English class it would be worth making a closer read for symbolism/meaning, but as a casual reader of poetry, the majority of these poems bordered on impenetrable. I'm as likely to blame the reader as the writer in this situation. 🤷🏼‍♂️