What's This, Bombardier?: Poems (Lena-Miles Wever Todd Poetry Series Award)

Ryan Flaherty pays particular attention to linguistic slippages and etymologies as heexamines the persistent difficulties of language and love in his latest collection, What's This, Bombardier? Alternating between self-deprecating humor and striking images, wry wordplay and a sense of awe at the beauties and absurdities of the world, these poems construct a postmodern play on the foundation of sadness, wonder, and longing. The combination is smart, fun, and ultimately heartbreaking -- an exciting, extraordinary debut.