RHYMES FOR OUR TIMES

A writer offers his opinions on a variety of issues, from bullying to climate change, in this debut volume of poetry and essays.

“Outrage is common, insights are not,” remarks Balkin on the nature of contemporary society. In this short collection, the poet addresses his “compliant rage at civilization’s downward spiral.” In the opening poem, “Introduction,” he justifies his stylistic approach—specifically his constant use of rhyming couplets: “Why rhymes, mostly couplets, you may wonder? / They slick, they stick with pauses to ponder.” Despite their apparent simplicity, he suggests: “Deep thought belies these simple ditties.” The poems included here are thematically diverse. “George” imagines George Washington returning to comment on the progress of humankind. “Space Odyssey” rubbishes the idea of colonizing Mars. “Women Are Better Riders” is a comment on how the bicycle is “less than impressed” by men. “Tommy and Me” sees the poet run into his school bully in later life. The volume also includes three essays. The first focuses on Balkin’s chance encounter with the comedian Steve Martin before he was famous. The second returns to the subject of bullying, and the third explores humans’ mistreatment of Mother Earth. Despite approaching serious issues, Balkin’s writing is playful and often humorous. Regarding inhabiting other planets, he muses: “To find another Earth we have far to go. / How vast, how far? Does Alexa know?” His poetry presents a call for positive change and unity, although some readers may find several of his observations trite and overly simplistic. For instance, regarding racial integration, he writes: “All colors are needed to create a rainbow. / Rainbows are friendly, universally loved— / take blinders off and think the world of.” The incessant stream of couplets rapidly becomes wearing, particularly when the rhyme forces Yoda-speak, as in this attack on President Donald Trump: “These evils an affront, as is your quiescency. / Smelling to high heaven is callous indecency.” The essay on Martin presents some insights into the comedian’s foibles but skimps on details, admitting: “If I’d known he was going to become Steve Martin, I’d have taken notes.” Balkin approaches a mishmash of issues in this well-intentioned volume but disappointingly delivers little that is new.

A sometimes-amusing collection with an overabundance of couplets.