I put a lot of thought into what bothered me about this book.

The poems in it are perfectly adequate. In a very frustrating way. Each poem has at least one very interesting idea (and often more!), but I was highly disappointed in how the poet rubbed them against one another, developed them, and expressed them on the page.

I will keep this book nearby. I found the effect highly inspirational. Reading this book makes me want to be a better poet.

Absurdity Woe is Me, Glory Be… is from the Guernica Editions “Essential Poetry Series” by prolific Canadian author and playwright J.J. Steinfeld. Hundreds of Steinfeld’s stories and poems have been featured over the years in numerous Canadian and worldwide publications. Steinfeld completed his M.A. in history from Trent University. In 1980, he moved to Prince Edward Island, where he established his full time writing career.

Immediately the reader realizes this is a spectacular work, with the reflection and contemplation of the beginning of the universe and majestic wonder of creation. The poems blend together to form thoughts and observances: “Rebirth”- adds to mix of bad news “the broken discourse with the divine” with the addition of music from the 1930’s-40’s digitally re-mastered music, nostalgic videos, dime store novels, fine wines and caviar—an effort to hide out by closing the curtains of seclusion.

“It Isn’t Relevant” - With the sky about to fall a knife-wielder, arrives with important questions, and the possibility to reinvent selfhood. However, “Placards”: if a silent perfect creator reads the newspapers, God is sure to know “Humans are a peculiar species Nietzsche is peachy” and forgive humanity for impossibility and imperfection as humanity waves to get his attention. There is additional reflective thought that continued with “When You First Attempt to Explain Your Existence”- “More Questions Than Stars in the Questioning Sky”- “You Have Lost Track”-“Late in Life Escape”.
The process of discovery and inspiration from the natural world and the elements of nature: “Insect Smile”- “The Bees and the Flowers Turn on Me”- “The Metaphysics of Seashells”- “The Unnatural History of Scars and Flowers” of memory inherited from loved ones, and taking flight.
In a library far from his home, Steinfeld studied geographical texts (voices heard—or not). There were promotional book readings at unnamed locations, and being questioned by an intrusive book buyer. Famous literary friends and poets, and the connection with the writing world of poetry, notes taken, rhyme and wording cover a larger portion of the book. “The Long and Short of Absurdity”- “Escape Words”- “Images Becoming Sound like”- “The Price of a Poem”- “A Conjurer’s Book Launch” – “Metaphor Eating” – “Life and Art Somewhat”.

The psychological link between creativity and madness is well established. There is a noticeable absence of filler material and the complicated, confusing, tangles of poetic abstraction. This is a relief in such a large collection. Steinfeld, a deep thinker, connects readers perceptively with all things related to mood and emotion, as easily as with the surrounding universe, distant galaxies and stars. The final and longest (cover titled) poem in the collection is saved for last: “I’m going to milk my melancholy/for all its worth, defying worthlessness/offer it to the highest bidder/Seeing if this open-nerved currency will buy me anything/but more melancholy/and recollections that stroke the soft side of madness.” The thought process is brilliantly explored and magnified among the realm of ordinary life, love, and humanity. Most of the poems have been previously published.
**With thanks and appreciation to Guernica Editions Inc. via NetGalley for the direct e-copy for the purpose of review.

Overall a solid, enjoyable collection of poems. I was unfamiliar with the poet, J. J. Steinfeld, but I'm glad I picked up the collection anyway.
Many of these poems are definitely written for scholars of English, full of references to other poems and assorted literary works that are known mostly in English college classrooms rather than in other circles. But, having a degree in English myself, I enjoyed them.
As is suggested by the title and description, the theme of the collection is primarily around the absurdities in everyday life, which is a topic I very much enjoy. I feel like poetry is the best method of tackling that subject, and I connected with this collection accordingly.