Local poet Michael Boyko just released his collection of poetry, The Hour Sets, a slim volume of prose-verse along side intricate illustrations by artist Derek White.
The book, somewhat reminiscent of The World Doesn’t End by poet laureate Charles Simic, is divided into hours because (as Boyko explains in the forward), “One hour is how long you must study the symbols of each cultural period to in order to learn everything about it.” Each hour involves three characters: The researcher, the academy and the occupant, each with a distinct language and motion. Dreamy, slightly frightening and compelling, Boyko’s world of words is not easily accessed, but the reader is rewarded with strange and beautiful images.
Celebrate the publication of The Hour Sets at a Book Release Party, Tuesday, Nov. 6, at 7 p.m. at Joli Rouge. The event includes vegan snacks, cheap champagne, a short reading at 8 p.m., and books for sale.
—Alli Marshall, A&E reporter
