Author W.J. Manares and his literary movements: A Book Review by Sushant Thapa

W.J. Manares of Philippines in his recent poetry collection “Don’t Try, I told you I was Ill” has derived 6 e’s of writing, his own literary movement. The first one is Expressionism that is stubborn in a sense that it seeks to find its own way regardless of fear of judgements, I find it true that it sticks to the aura of experimentation. No writer should stop the spontaneous flow, instead try to make it grow with editing later on. It is experimentation in a sense of original and compelling inner force with which a writer spills on page. That holding on to the pen is what proves that pen can create an empire. Next is Eroticism, which is quite natural biological force, Empiricism which is the real experience that becomes so real that it reaches to the point where someone on the street receives a punch (of course, fictional, but still sounds like something real and experienced by the one who receives the punch); Escapism that acts as a relief from that tightness in your heart. Eclogue tradition that upholds pastoral themes and shepherds, a great wandering literary tradition like Paulo Coelho’s novel The Alchemist.

Mr. Manares expresses his own enlightenment as a literary tradition. It is his personal enlightenment like Pareidolia; he scribbles on egg cartoons and feels everything connects. These literary movements show that Mr. Manares and Writing are synonyms. Manares is not a mediocre writer, as a critic I sense he has that ability to write in post-modern terms, a somewhat cosmopolitan and universal theme is seen in his work. It is extremely creative, and he has a way with words. He has also heightened form of imagination. Also, cross-genre writing is found in his oeuvre. Like blending Science Fiction in poetry. Mr. Manares says poetry ain’t supposed to be polite, it’s supposed to leave a mark. As a poet, I can relate to that. It feels like he is searching for hope as a space cadet on earth. It is all about where we look, from wherever we are. Man’s first delight to step on moon, first space exploration, I sure love the flights of fancy and fantastic discovery.

Oho! says the globe, I’m round, I’m real,

I’ve got mountains that poke the sky’s eye out!

But my eye don’t care if it’s paper or plastic,

if it’s stretched thin or puffed up proud,

it just sees the same mess:

war zones like acne, deserts like bald spots,

cities like ant hills where everyone’s running

from something they can’t name. (EYEING SIRDIRTFACE)

Mr. Manares has coined words like Escapoetism, poetry is that script therapy, a spill of the virtues and vices. What does not get expressed dies in your heart, and what does not get expressed is not poetry. It can be, you may defend, but you will be alone. Dare to share is a new mantra. Humans are creative community, we love to hear stories and feel the closeness, a well-expressed book is the book that talks to you. Sure, poetry is a healthy escape from mundane reality.

Curse Illusion, and all her goddamn lies,

I'll take the truth,

even if it stings my eyes.

Another drink, another fight, another losing hand, at least it's real,

in this godforsaken land. (ILL-USION)

I love complexities of love, and Mr. Manares does that with lyrical truths. He is a lyrical genius to me; this is not just my praise but my truth and proof of being his reader. His poetry is like rock songs with a bit of lovely darts that is emotive and soft. His experiences are woven brilliantly. How a modern person thinks is portrayed, and modern artifacts are alive. He does it with extremely clear language. Prophets and gospels also make way to his poetry. He touches religious sentiments too, but does it with glory. Readers can find faith.

Drunkenness is for him a response to sobriety. In a fictional world, drunkenness can signify how you drink away the evils of the world, so that they get pushed to the bay, and don’t exist. We create the world, all the blessed meditations, and all the drunken mistakes. To Err is Human. Life experiences are diverse in a modern cosmos.

But still, I dwell within, a tenant of the soul,

embracing every flaw, making myself whole.

For home is not a place, but where the heart resides,

in this imperfect body, where my spirit hides. (HUMBUGERRIES: everybody’s home)

The above poem is light and rising up like cotton. I lose all my burden while reading the above lines. This is the beauty of poetry which is heartfelt. What is a home? The answer to this question varies, but Mr. Manares weaves it like a common reality. He focuses on a moment that allows us to reflect for a while, and bless ourselves. Almost spiritual and philosophical echoes are found in this poetry collection. But it is collective. Have a look at a collective message in the poem below:                   

Each Sunday meal, a gathering of kin,

where laughter echoes, and stories begin.

The passing down of recipes, old and tried,

a bond unbreakable, where hearts confide. (HUMBUGERRIES: sacred Space)

I am amazed by one revelatory line: his feet hurt more than his pride. This is from a poem titled LOST LAST LUST. It is difficult to carry excessive pride and pride can hurt, you need a solid physicality to withstand pride. And pride is something of a higher order, which is beyond the reach, feet is what does the work. So, pride is a luxury in that sense. What a revelation! I read on the book tiled How Literature works (Rough title of the book that I am recalling) that literature is all about interpretation. I believe ideas are open for interpretation and we assimilate on the process i.e., relate it to ourselves, mostly common in the context of poetry. The poet conjures up multiple feelings in a reader. Manares does it with a grip on the reader’s mind. The readers don’t lose track, I think. They experience themselves.

To travel through Eiffel tower, posing love as a sentiment is also on display in this poetry collection. Different aspects of love are given space. Manares is an observer, but of deep feelings. He creates scenes that scar and heal. Setting of a Bar is also a good place in this collection, Manares has humor and irony too.

My first reading of Manares’ work was his horror story Burnt Umber, it was about a chocolate factory. I remembered Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl while reading it. I was introduced to the oeuvre of Manares back then when I read his horror story. We were editing a horror anthology together, then. I also wrote my first horror story for that anthology.

As far as this book review is concerned, I leave the readers to judge my review once they read the whole book. Experience the thrill, grab your copy soon. It’s out by Ukiyoto Publishing.