Tri Loka

Poetry. "Ivan Argüelles's poetry might be described as a labyrinth except that it is also a house afire. This work continues the extraordinary experiments of books like Madonna Septet—books which verge on the indescribable. Argüelles's work thrusts us into a world in which absolutely anything may be said. The book deliberately tests our capacity to read it as it continually deconstructs the very guideposts to which we cling.... The theme of this 'fictive "diary"/this excerpt from the unwritten poem' is the poet's encounter with the 'other'—and particularly the other as goddess, mother, pop star, 'the terrible mix up of girl friends/wives lovers and cancer patients.' Yet this is like no love poem in the history of literature"—Jack Foley.