TEXT Journal of writing and writing courses

Abstract

In these poems Kristian Patruno cofessionally narrates autobiographical events which deal with the issues of extreme drug use, homelessness, and poor socio-economic conditions. “Coastal Drowning” narrates how swamped by myriad personal family and health issues a young (or any) person drowns in the extremities of circumstance. “Wildfire” narrates the extremities of heroin addiction and the complexities of a codependant relationship therein, while giving voice to the human cost of, and testament to, the will to survive drug addiction. “Slaughter House” also narrates extreme drug abuse occasioning homelessness and other extremities arising from such. Together these poems narrate in a confessional mode the extreme taboos of poverty and drug addiction. The power inherent in these poems underlines the power of poetry as testimony/witness to traumas such experiences purvey. They also give testament to the strength of human will to survive.