Poet's Pain

In his second collection, we delve deeper into the mind of poet Kirk Olson.

My heart in a realm of pain,
Mind in a realm of insanity,
Facade of deep darkness is
Concealed by my poetry.
From "Insomniacs"

Olson uses language to create a lyrical exploration of love, mortality, fantasy, and madness. His poems are organic and alive, his voice honest, his style open and engaging.

If I lost my sight,
The last thing I would want to see
Is your smile,
Reminding me
Of how beautiful the world can be.
From "Losses"

He deals with subjects currently affecting humanity, including cancer, mental illness, financial ruin, alcoholism, and cyber-bullying. In each poem, pain is a raw and visceral reminder of life's intensity, each exposing a searing and abrasive hurt.

Return to your nightmares, and
Wake up when you find me there.
Call me in your daydreams;
I'll whisper horror in your ear.
From "Dreams of Despair"

Humanity's innate empathy and strength to overcome despair is a theme woven throughout the collection. Olson has a clear understanding of what it means to carry on.