Lip Thinker by Bob Xark Book Review

Originally published in 1998's Married Punks issue 13.

I dislike most poetry. It tends to be slop, but Xark, unlike a lot of poets, combines the beauty and harshness of the world with politics and business. He touches on the Michael Diana controversy ("A Very Ugly Witchhunt"), consumer culture ("Pesticides Gasoline and Fast Food Stop N Shop"), and the power of feminine beauty ("Unmistakable Ways"). Xark, who looks more rock 'n' roll than poet, escapes the pretentiousness of most poets simply by recognizing it. That's important to me. I don't want to wade through crap, and Xark doesn't want to dish it out. It's a perfect relationship.