night exposures

In night exposures, Gerry Loose explores overlooked aspects of life, combining personal experience with historical narratives and contemporary issues.

Gerry Loose's seventh full collection, night exposures, truly embodies its title by illuminating the often overlooked and shadowy aspects of life. With a blend of pressing geopolitical themes and gentle lyricism, the collection traverses a wide range of subjects, ultimately centering on Scotland, where the echoes of Sweeney the king resonate. The poetry captures a sense of derangement and the struggle of humanity, leading readers on a lilting journey across the heart of Scotland, from coast to coast.

The narratives within night exposures extend beyond national borders, delving into the historical weight of places like Nuremberg. Here, the juxtaposition of a city’s past with the experiences of its citizens unfolds, revealing the long shadows cast by history. Additionally, the book explores life on an island in Finland, where the mundane and the extraordinary coexist, often unpredictably. Loose's work emphasizes personal experience, highlighting how the lives of ordinary people intertwine with grander narratives.

A notable aspect of this collection is its innovative approach to themes of identity and existence. Through a unique lens on the naming of endangered species, Loose subtly critiques the potential futures of both individuals and their leaders. With expressive language and formal inventiveness, night exposures not only shines a light on hidden corners of society but also invites readers to reflect on the broader implications of their own narratives.