The Dreamer and the Dreamed, by Joseph Leahey, is an evocative collection of poems that delve into themes of queer love, memory, and self-discovery. Spanning decades from the 1980s through 2020, these poems offer glimpses into personal and global moments, including the profound impacts of the pandemic. Leahey’s poetry is deeply personal and reflective, presenting love and identity in a way that resonates with a wide audience.

The contemporary, intimate genre explores universal themes of love, life, and death, weaving them into a tapestry that speaks directly to the reader’s heart. A central focus of the collection is on queer love and the complexities of heartbreak. Leahey shares raw and emotional narratives about relationships, struggles, and the joys and pains experienced within the queer community. His use of clear and vivid language to express love, self-acceptance, and the yearning for connection renders the collection both touching and accessible.

The Dreamer and the Dreamed offers a heartfelt exploration of the poet’s journey through life and his search for love and meaning. It captures the essence of the universal human experience, appealing to anyone who has ever sought to understand themselves and the world around them. The collection takes readers on a beautiful journey through the peaks and valleys of love, encapsulating what it means to be deeply human and to love with intensity. The poems are crafted with a lyrical quality that often feels cinematic, akin to a film’s opening scene or the chorus of a song. Standout pieces like “Lover Boy,” which explores themes of loneliness and hopelessness among mere acquaintances, and “The Prayer Mat,” touching on grief, distress, and longing, are particularly moving. “Strange Boy” vividly captures a fleeting, yet powerful, interaction, with emotions almost bursting from the brief verses. Leahey excels at conveying the intense emotions and deep yearnings within his poems. While some pieces may not resonate equally with all readers due to stylistic differences, the collection as a whole reflects the poet’s profound emotional experience. The inclusion of titles referencing songs from the 1960s adds a nostalgic layer, enriching the reading experience and making the collection more profound.

Reminiscent of the work of Richard Siken, another queer poet exploring love and longing, The Dreamer and the Dreamed captures the essence of the human experience, making it a compelling and memorable read.

Pages: 130 | ASIN : B0CS96SWQS