The Ring of Azurmus by Andrew Chiniche

Andrew Chiniche shows himself to be a poet in a class all his own, displaying his storytelling whimsy, dark descriptive powers, and deep understanding of ethereal connection in his new collection, The Ring of Azurmus.

Inspired by cards of the tarot deck, and brought to life through stories that surge and fade like smoke, this poetic saga is unique, like a handwritten spell book for romance. The language is not only carefully chosen, but also playful and unpredictable: Alice is the Chalice / and the lynchpin in my search / for the Talisman. These moments of poetic grace are refreshing bursts of joy within an intensely personal and spiritual read. While there is a narrative through line, the tangential explorations and  imagery-laden asides are some of the most enjoyable passages in this epic poetic spree.

For those who are unfamiliar with such rich and melodic poetry, this collection may seem too esoteric, but it is truly an enveloping and immersive experience. That being said, an additional editing sweep would be strongly encouraged, as there are some inconsistencies in the grammatical treatment of the verse, as well as peculiar enjambment choices that are more disruptive than thought-provoking.

As a whole, reading The Ring of Azurmus is a heady delight, and while there are some moments that could use more polish or abstract imagery, the vast majority is an unpredictable, engaging, and ambitious display of poetic talent.

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