Book Review

Step Below
Selected Poems 2000-2015
Meritage Press
ISBN 9781934299104
William Allegrezza

Step Below: Selected Poems 2000-2015, by William Allegrezza, is a compilation of poems from various past works. From the beginning, one encounters lingo--an onslaught of words spaced into pauses. The first poem sets the tone for experimental landscapes, urging the reader to challenge language.

                      re latin  g   th e   sir  ens   scre  am  p ul ling

Words stretch along the page almost sensually. Although the words are pulling from one corner to the other, there is no sense of choppiness or abrupt severing. Quite the opposite. The words separate smoothly, methodically.
       

As this collection progresses, the experimentation and imagery increases. Letters jump out on the page, emboldened. Words dance atop other words and collide. Yet these words are not just randomly placed. Allegrezza is trained in the amalgamation of sense and poignancy, all the while, holding true to the playfulness of experimentation. 

            

Step Below is a rich compilation of Allegrezza's finest works. Each poem teeters on the edge of profundity and poignancy. Step Below challenges and pulls forth, from the shadows, ghosts of vision and great depth.