Please join me in congratulating poet Alan Parry on the launch of TWENTY SEVEN. Read on to find out more about the poetry collection and how you can obtain a copy.
TWENTY SEVEN
The Spirit of Morrison Echoing Through Poetry
The collection, Twenty Seven, weaves an intricate fabric of emotion, nostalgia, and vivid imagery that invokes memories of rock icon Jim Morrison. From the raw passion of his musical prowess to the deep introspection of his lyrics, Morrison’s spirit permeates each poem, acting as both muse and ghostly presence.
Beginning with ‘As Children,’ we’re immersed in a world of youthful wonder and innocence, reminiscent of Morrison’s own formative years and his flirtation with the wilderness of experience. The lines, ‘we threw rocks that tore holes in the sun,’ evoke his rebellious nature and yearning to challenge the status quo. The existential questioning, which was a hallmark of Morrison’s lyrical style, reverberates in ‘Lost Innocence’ and ‘I Worry,’ tackling themes of mortality, vulnerability, and the unpredictability of life.
‘Pain Sings Like the Hope of Youth’ captures Morrison’s fervent belief in poetry as a tool of revolution – to be shouted from rooftops and declared to the world. The mention of ‘fields of fizzing flares’ and ‘iron-smoke skies’ draws parallels to the fiery intensity of Morrison’s live performances, setting stages ablaze with his fervor.
Morrison’s fascination with the duality of life—light and dark, love and pain, life and death—is mirrored in poems like ‘Night-Time’ and ‘Lovemaking.’ These pieces speak to both the electric thrill of the night and the inevitable arrival of daylight. The sensuality and raw passion that defined Morrison’s presence are felt vividly in ‘Lovers,’ with lines like ‘shake the walls & feel violin bows skimming against their paper skin,’ which echo the ecstatic highs and introspective lows of love.
In ‘Backstreets’ and ‘City at Night,’ we are taken on a journey through gritty urban landscapes—a nod to Morrison’s tumultuous relationship with Los Angeles, a city he both loved and loathed. The restless energy of these environments mirrors the chaos and allure of Morrison’s own life.
‘I Dream’ feels especially poignant, as Morrison was a dreamer in every sense, lost in his thoughts, ideals, and visions for the future. Here, the dreamer imagines a myriad of scenarios, from “gambling my days with beer” to the whimsical ‘meeting black & white writers wearing vaseline in their hair.’
‘Regret’ touches on the melancholy of missed opportunities and the quiet yearning for connection—themes that Morrison often grappled with. The desire for solitude, yet the pain of loneliness, are sentiments Morrison knew all too well.
The collection’s culmination, Aurora, stands as a testament to Morrison’s lasting legacy—colorful, chaotic, and graceful. Just as the Northern Lights dance unpredictably across the sky, Morrison’s influence remains, undulating and ever-present in the world of music, poetry, and popular culture.
Twenty Seven is more than a mere homage to Jim Morrison. It is a deep dive into the essence of a rock legend, interwoven with Parry’s own unique voice and experiences. Through these poems, Parry not only captures the spirit of Morrison but also pays tribute to the indelible mark the rock icon left on him and countless others. Whether a fan of The Doors, a lover of mid-20th century literature, or simply an admirer of evocative poetry, this collection resonates with the timelessness of Morrison’s impact, channeled through Parry’s masterful pen.
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About Alan Parry
Alan Parry is a Merseyside-based writer, editor, and lecturer. His writing embraces gritty realism, open-ended narratives, and the musical stylings of 60s girl groups. Published by esteemed platforms like Dream Noir, Streetcake Magazine, and Ghost City Press, Alan’s work showcases his talent for evocative prose and poetry. Inspired by Alan Bennett, James Baldwin, and Stan Barstow, he crafts compelling stories that resonate deeply. His debut poetry collection, “Neon Ghosts” (2020), and subsequent works like “Belisama” (2021) and “Echoes” (2022) demonstrate his creative prowess. Alan’s upcoming collection with The Broken Spine is due in December 2023. In the summer of 2023, he performed his debut spoken word poetry and prose show, “Noir,” at the Morecambe Fringe Festival. With an expanding repertoire and a distinct voice, Alan Parry is an emerging force in literature and performance.
Patricia M Osborne 