Triggerfish 1-2

Date

2016-06-16

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

MFA in Creative Writing, The University of Tampa

Abstract

Triggerfish 1-2 is a book-length poem capturing the feverish thoughts of a young Army Lieutenant wounded among a platoon full of dead soldiers. At his side, a PRC-77 radio, with the cord of its handset severed, is strapped on the back of the headless operator. For Triggerfish, the radio still provides communications to the rear where Echo-6 offers support, comfort, and military-mission guidance. Throughout his experience, Triggerfish considers his level of responsibility in the deaths of the men in his platoon. As the PRC- 77 smolders, he travels to Woodstock, Kent State University, World War Two France, and into the Akashic Library where the past and future are easily accessible through dialogues with prophetic guides. Grounding Triggerfish in the realities of Army-specific absurdities is Diogenes, a spiritual guide and friend. A cross between Alice in Wonderland and Apocalypse Now, Triggerfish 1-2 is a journey through planes of parallel existence and realizations of self-identity, both inside and outside of wartime.

Description

Keywords

Poetry, War, Identity

Citation

DOI

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