Red pterodactyl.

Abstract

Inspired by the surreal poetry of Russell Edson and the sound-driven poetry of Theodore Roethke, the poetry collection Red Pterodactyl explores the fine line between reality and the surreal by intertwining commonplace situations with a humorous, absurdist twist. The collection is divided into four distinct sections to approach the subject from different perspectives. "Maybe I Should Lighten Up" presents more serious pieces, which discuss themes such as death, failed relationships, and substance abuse, to illustrate the dreamlike effects that these subjects can induce in an individual. With "Pack your Dust Masks. We're Headed into Southwest Oklahoma," the reader is transported to Harmon County, Oklahoma, with poems that convey the seemingly unreal harshness involved with growing up in a small and troubled community, evidenced through heavy alcohol abuse, arson, and most notably, isolation. Heavily influenced by the work of Native American poet Sherman Alexie, the next section of the book, "The Discreet Charm of Chicanohood," examines Mexican-American heritage--riddled with bizarre cultural rituals such as faith healing and witchcraft protection ceremonies--to show that the subject matter borders on the unbelievable to readers from different backgrounds. The collection's final section, "Credo Quia Absurdum," introduces the most absurd and peculiar poems of the book--which explore everything from suicidal canines to murderous salmon--in an attempt to stretch the imagination.