In the Architecture of Bone

Poetry. "IN THE ARCHITECTURE OF BONE is the spirit of Armenia streaming through the mnemonic of Semerdjian's family and their abode. This 'evidence' exists by means of its words inscribed on a blank beatific hide. And this hide co-respirates as a biography of exile while lingering in the cells of language. Scenic registrations, interior postings via a vivid singularity. Semerdjian condenses the 'undertow' and the droning of the Armenian Diaspora through a stark imaginal thriving. IN THE ARCHITECTURE OF BONE is a book brimming with marvelous seepage and recollection"—Will Alexander. "Alan Semerdjian's IN THE ARCHITECTURE OF BONE reads like a long poem cycle that pulls the reader into an open field in which Semerdjian weaves his explorations of language and art, Armenian history and family. These dynamic poems mingle the ghosts of the past with the pace of contemporary life. This talented, young poet is well worth your reading"—Peter Balakian. "The poems shuttle between the tender and the fantastic...at the core of the poetry is a kind of politic—though he isn't what I would easily call a political poet. Adrienne Rich wrote, 'the moment a feeling enters the body is political.' Alan is that kind of political poet"—Michael Klein.