Richard Lyons Knihy

Exploring the depths of grief, this collection of poems emerges from a mother's death, delving into the origins of consciousness before language and thought. The work intertwines stories from literature and art, confronting death through the lives of influential figures like Tsvetayeva and Kahlo. It reflects on historical atrocities while blending autobiography and history, ultimately challenging the notion of an afterlife. The final section contemplates selfhood before language, as Lyons reinhabits his mother's essence, merging afterlife and prenatal existence into a profound meditation on being.

Exploring profound questions about war, this series of epic poems spans settings from ancient India to modern Europe and the contemporary Middle East. Through animated and lyrical writing, Richard Lyons delves into humanity's impulses toward conflict, highlighting the paradox of destruction despite an awareness of war's futility. Each part features memorable characters confronting the moral dilemmas of technological advancements in warfare, individual responsibility, and the evolution of military leadership, offering deep insights into human nature and civilization's trajectory.

Exploring the interconnectedness of life, the poems invite readers to transcend traditional boundaries of human experience and tribalism. Through vivid imagery of diverse species—from garlic flowers to blue whales—these verses seek to forge fleeting yet profound connections. Rejecting the notion of human superiority, the collection emphasizes the fluidity of identity and persona, suggesting that memory shapes who we are. With a desire for experiences beyond language, the poems celebrate the complexity and richness of existence across species.