Eugene Gloria Knihy

Exploring themes of war, displacement, and love, the collection features thirty poems that blend American and Filipino vernaculars. The work reflects the dual heritage of the poet, grappling with self-definition and a sense of exile. Through character studies and first-person narratives, the poems reveal a poignant search for connection and identity. With imagistic sincerity and lyrical pacing, Gloria addresses cultural and economic imperialism while intertwining magical imagery, offering a trustworthy examination of history and personal experience.

A fourth collection from a prize-winning poet whose "gift is breathtaking" (Naomi Shihab Nye) Eugene Gloria's Sightseer in This Killing City captures the surreal and disorienting feelings of the present. In the wake of recent presidential elections in the United States and in the Philippines, Gloria's latest collection sharpens his obsession with arrivals and departures, gun violence, displacement, cultural legacy, and the bitter divisions in America. Through the voice of Nacirema, the central persona of the collection, we are introduced to a character who chooses mystery and inhabits landscapes fraught with beauty and brutality. Gloria quotes melodies from seventies soul and jazz, blending the urban lament of Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane with the idiom of Stevie Wonder and Fela Kuti. Sightseer in this Killing City is an argument for grace and perseverance in an era of bombast and bullies.

This third collection showcases the work of an acclaimed poet known for their evocative language and profound insights. Celebrated for their unique perspective, the author explores themes of urban life and human experience, crafting verses that resonate deeply with readers. The collection is marked by a blend of beauty and intensity, reflecting the poet's ability to capture the complexities of existence. With endorsements from notable figures like Naomi Shihab Nye, this work is a testament to the poet's remarkable talent.