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The comedy I see in life,
Then men will speak with angel tongues
And laughter put an end to strife."
Observational and honest poems are bundled together in this frank, snappy collection of verses about faith, time, memories, and culture. The opening titular poem is a song-like acceptance and even celebration of excess weight even when the rest of society finds it unattractive or unappealing. From there, the poems are divided into three chapters: one for people, one for places, and the last for puzzles. The first two offer wistful remembrances and contemporary admiration for the locations, individuals, and groups that fill our lives with activity and companionship. The third, as the name suggests, contains more abstract or metaphorical poems, delving into deeper thoughts and more obscure language. Sometimes funny, sometimes poignant and reflective, these poems all have a distinct character and voice that will resonate with readers.
This collection of poems is able to deftly blend humor and wisdom, putting serious matters in perspective while also not being afraid to make light of sillier moments. The aspect of different chapters having themes helps keep a sense of cohesion, but the themes are so broad that there is still lots of room for the thoughts to move around and not feel repetitive or predictable. From a structural standpoint, there is also a fair bit of variety, with Hood sometimes employing a rhyming structure, sometimes focusing more on a rhythm, and towards the end of the book even using a severe form of brevity to give lines or entire poems an extra bit of punch. With lots to say and careful construction of words and meter to deliver that message, the author gives readers a thoughtful view of occurrences and concepts they can all relate to in poems that cover a wide breadth of emotions and subject material.