Stranded Wherever I Am by Steve Boint is a collection of poetry that gives an interesting outlook at the transient residents of a motel. The author gently expresses the harsh realities of the different personalities that usually end up living in these places. The battered woman, the addict, lovers, lawmen and simple travelers. He subtly brushes on the untold stories of the corridors, the parking lot, the closed windows, unopened doors and the cycles of time. The titles of the poems hint at the struggles of the phases those he observes go through. They include ‘Why Motels?’, ‘Night Manager Sleeps’, ‘Interesting Job’, ‘Too Far From Home’, ‘Late Night Musings’ and ‘No Sign Out Front’. Sometimes the poems border on haunting, pulling one into the undefined and seemingly aimless orbit of what motel life is like. Somehow, the author does not let it get too deep into  that kind of low energy. It does continue on a similar spectrum but has a strong undercurrent of knowing, acceptance and strength. Somehow, contradicting ideas can exist together like the crushing loneliness and unquestionable acceptance and lack of judgement among similar people. There is a suggestion of danger but also a suggestion people choose these motels at times when they are getting away from something.

There is nothing overly flowery about the author’s words. His lines do not necessarily stick to convention but it is nevertheless an engaging read. He craftily uses the usual literary devices to get his point across. I highly recommend this collection of poetry.

Pages: 117 | ASIN: B085VSWXK9