BEHIND THE GHOST METROPOLIS

What is behind the ghost metropolis?

I wonder this as I flip (okay, scroll) through Dabrowska’s earnest, bloody poems.

This is the kind of material Punk Monk loves to publish, and I love to read. Annette describes her debut collection as reflecting “the darker side of the mind - loneliness, mental health, trauma, but also hope, travel, and strength.”

Couldn’t have said it better myself. This collection is sincere. Searing. Surreal. So. Fucking. Relatable. I feel like my shadow can chill a minute, ‘cause Annette’s busy tearing up the room.

Don’t expect fancy shit. Expect instead the kind of gothy goodness we scribbled under the stairs, under our beds, in the corners of our parents’ basements. It brings me back to Buffy (which I’m binging for spooky season btw), Hedwig and the Angry Inch, me at thirteen obsessing over Emily Dickinson. It’s nostalgia. It’s pain. It’s beauty in mangled places.

There’s devilishly good lines in here, like, “I can’t stay sober when I cheat on you.” (Doesn’t get more real than that!) Annette’s a punk Sylvia Plath. All the emotion, none of the pretence. There’s some Kathy Acker in there, too. Maybe a smatter of Elizabeth Smart.

I love the dashes of light amidst the darkness- an important antidote to our personal poisons. Whether likening self-destructive sex to “the hunt”, or bemoaning inner turmoil, Dabrowska unblinkingly dissects the darker hollows of the human condition. Could this have been stronger as a chapbook? Maybe. But there is a joy in becoming entrenched in someone else’s world, particularly one as rough n’ raw as this.

Anyone who has struggled with trauma or mental illness is sure to see themselves staring out from these pages, and that makes Behind the Ghost Metropolis worthy of the name “art.”

I especially like the short pieces. My poetic muse comes out in four-line spurts too. It’s nice to see more minute spasms gracing a page.

You see so much of Annette’s process- personally as well as poetically. It is a great risk to be so intimate. (All good art is a great risk.) Through her words, I’ve gotten to know her, and I’m grateful she gave me the chance.

Freedom’s a real theme here. And all that longing that comes from wanting to escape what’s inside. Pain reads better like this: plain language. Just saying what you need to say; saying what needs to be heard.

It’s sad, too. But I feel like I get it. Maybe we share a diagnosis, or at least a few experiences. Either way, it’s nice to remember none of us are really alone.

Honestly? It’s like she pulled some of these poems straight out of my own heart.

“Now it’s my turn to live.” Promises are made here, the kind of promises that we the struggling make and break again and again, but we never fucking give up.

It was the first poem that got me. The one about lying on the floor, attacked by all those nasty little demons in our souls. Annette’s courage helped me tap into my own. We cry together. We heal, too.

And slowly, we stand up.

Annette Dabrowska’s debut poetry collection Behind The Ghost Metropolis is set for release January 18, 2025.

In her query email, Annette asked me,

“Worth reading?”

Fuck yeah it is.

With a keen eye and a poet’s heart, Annette Dabrowska explores the vagaries of mental illness. BEHIND THE GHOST METROPOLIS is moving and memorable.

"Behind the Ghost Metropolis” by Annette Dabrowska is a collection of poignant poems that delve deep into the complexities of human emotions, from innocence to despair to resilience. The author weaves a tapestry of raw and relatable verses that resonated in my view to a high level.

The author explores lost innocence and the harsh realities that shape us. It speaks to the universal experience of facing disappointments and learning to navigate a world that can be both beautiful and brutal. I like the imagery of a heart turning to stone capturing the transformation from naivety to guardedness that many can relate to.

In another poem, the author offers a glimpse of hope amidst darkness, painting a vivid picture of a soul in turmoil finding solace in a ray of light. The poem beautifully captures the struggle with inner demons, the battle against self-hatred, and the transformative power of courage and strength. The gradual shift from despair to empowerment is portrayed with sensitivity and grace, leaving readers inspired and uplifted.

I liked how the author showcases a mastery of language and emotion, crafting verses that tug at the heartstrings and linger in the mind long after reading throughout the book. There are themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the enduring human spirit all interwoven with a rare authenticity that speaks to the depths of the soul.

"Behind the Ghost Metropolis" in my view, is a mesmerizing journey through the highs and lows of the human experience, a testament to the power of words to heal, enlighten, and connect us all. The book is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is always a flicker of light waiting to guide us back to ourselves.

In my opinion, this collection of poems is a must-read for anyone seeking solace, reflection, and a deeper understanding of the human condition. It is, in my view, a treasure trove of emotion and insight, that invites readers to embrace their vulnerabilities and find strength in the whispers of their souls.

Well done and highly recommended.

I would like to put a trigger warning as this collection does deal with complex subject matters such as mental health and trauma and may not be suitable for everyone.

I have always been a big fan of poetry but it is not often that I get a request to review a collection on Likely Story so I knew I had to jump at the chance especially when reading that Dabrowska draws inspiration from many poets including Charles Bukowski; who I adore.

Annette Dabrowska’s debut poetry collection, Behind the Ghost Metropolis, is an evocative exploration of the human condition that dives deeply into themes of mental health, trauma, resilience, and hope. This raw and intimate collection balances a hauntingly beautiful portrayal of darkness with moments of light and healing, creating a vivid emotional journey that resonates on a deeply personal level.

Dabrowska’s prose is striking in its simplicity and power. With language that is both unflinching and tender, she captures the turmoil of inner battles and the fragile yet indomitable strength of the human spirit. Each poem feels like a window into the poet’s soul, offering readers a sense of shared experience and connection. Her ability to weave universal emotions into such personal reflections is what makes this collection truly remarkable.

The book is a masterclass in balancing vulnerability with empowerment. Poems reflecting on loss, despair, and loneliness are interwoven with moments of courage, self-discovery, and the search for freedom. Dabrowska’s imagery strikes a chord that lingers long after the final page.

One of the collection’s greatest strengths is its accessibility. Dabrowska doesn’t rely on ornate language or obscure references to convey her emotions. Instead, she uses plain yet poignant language that cuts straight to the heart, making these poems feel like personal confessions shared in trust. This openness invites readers to find pieces of themselves within the lines, creating a deeply immersive experience.

The shorter poems in particular stand out, delivering bursts of raw emotion that are both intense and immediate. At the same time, the collection’s longer pieces delve into the complexities of human resilience, showing that even in moments of despair, there is always a glimmer of hope to be found.

Behind the Ghost Metropolis is a testament to the power of poetry to heal, connect, and inspire. It’s a collection that reminds us that we are never truly alone, even in our darkest moments, and that strength can be found in embracing vulnerability. Whether you’re a seasoned poetry lover or new to the genre, this collection offers a deeply moving and unforgettable experience.

Summary:

Overall, I would highly recommend this collection of poems for anyone seeking a raw and relatable exploration of the human spirit. Dabrowska’s voice is a powerful addition to contemporary poetry, and her debut is sure to leave a lasting impact.