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Loren Denny understands the power of each word; he bears his soul, beaten, thrashed, yet ever-resilient in his poetry compilation from jail, Climbing Up from Depths. The poems pertain to addiction, love, or looking within. Readers can get a glimpse into the heights and despair of a man whose addictions leave him "trembling and quaking" from within, and how he finds the love of the lord and begins anew.
For an individual writing his first piece of poetry, the use of literary devices, strong metaphors, and vivid imagery is remarkable. In poems like "Descent," and "Dinner for One," readers can feel the fractured helplessness of the "flames of the devil's breath" scorching the speaker's soul. "Hunted" expresses the metaphor of being hunted and haunted by one's inner self; how can one run away from who they have become? The image of the author's blood being black and tarry in "Psycho Mio" invokes repulsive—yet common—images of charred lungs from excessive smoking; the author clearly understands how to convey and emphasize his message.
Despite the darkness that undoubtedly descends on Denny's poetry, there is a redemptive quality present. Poems such as "30 Year," and "Epiphany" attest to the author’s realization that in jail, with time to reflect, he sees a flicker of hope and truly appreciates that he is alive and OK. The second section of the compilation, titled after the book, Climbing up from the Depths, begins with a plea to be lifted from darkness and culminates in the recognition of the Lord and a new beginning.
"A Letter to Anyone Who Might Care" is arguably the most evocative, compelling, and universal poem for inmates who, like Denny, use the ferocity of their words to experience the pristine air of freedom that is so close, yet unattainable. This poem in particular captures the tragedy of the human spirit and the manner in which one, over time, can become a complete stranger to even his loved ones. In this poem, readers will feel less the writing of an inmate and will feel more of the pain and solitude that fill Denny's work. For poetry lovers who cherish a compilation filled with potent imagery and a message that transitions from despair to redemption, this collection is an enjoyable read.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review