4 out of 4 stars
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Everyone’s Happier Than You by James Zerndt is a book of approximately fifty poems sure to please the pickiest poetry lover. It is an eclectic mix of observations and reminiscences about a wide range of subjects. A couple of the poems have previously been published online or in Sow’s Ear Poetry Review, Edgar Literary Review, Nerve Cowboy, and The Oregonian newspaper.
The poems are written in free-form verse. The author’s unique take on things often made me smile. “Buddha Explains to the Flight Attendant Why There’s Part of a Haiku on His Lap” is a short piece filled with sophisticated wit. “Two Figures of Speech Walk into a Bar” imagines a conversation a bartender has with a simile and metaphor.
The author has a real gift for using metaphors to zero in on the heart of an observation. “Floyd’s Coffee,” about a coffee shop converted from an old gas station, is an excellent example of this. There are also several poems about the author’s parents, including ones that illustrate his complicated feelings about his father. The heartfelt, loving remembrances of his late mother shine through the pages.
As is the case with good writing, there is often a subtle, layered feel. As a result, I found myself rereading a few of the poems for clarity. I have to admit there were a few instances where I didn’t fully get the point, such as in “Did You Paint This?” and “She’s a Real Pistil.” Maybe the meaning was a little too subtle, although the imagery was still flawless.
The emotions contained in the poetry are a range of joy, amusement, love, sadness, and everything in between. It is difficult to pick a favorite, but “Reasons Why the World Should Have Stopped” comes close. The piece has a nice, rhythmic flow and moved me in the way a wonderfully quirky eulogy would. “Snow Globe” and “I’d Be the Worst Kind of Famous” are also standouts.
Mr. Zerndt is currently an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher and has been previously employed in a variety of professions, including working as a caretaker of a mountain chateaux, bartender, and housepainter. In many of the poems in this collection, it is clear he has been inspired by his diverse experiences.
This well-written book has easily earned a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. Poetry fans will appreciate this off-the-beaten-path collection that includes something for everyone’s tastes. These poems will stay with you long after you’ve read the lines. I predict writing awards in this talented author’s future.
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Everyone's Happier Than You
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Brailling for Wile. Can't believe I forgot 
