To End a Conversation

In the contemporary social-scapes of Kelly-Anne Riess’ poems, paradise got lost a long time ago. Riess’ Eve is closer to Bridget Jones parachuted onto the streets of Regina. These are sly, wry, manic, and determinedly human poems for the new millennium . . . A sassy debut.

About the book

To End a Conversation portrays women naked in loneliness, longing, and in the temporary, transitory hands of often-brutal lovers.

Within the long traditions of relationship poems the reader is reminded of the timeless sweep of the fear, distrust, and pain that destroy love and those who seek it. But it is Riess’ intelligence and worldliness as much as her powerful dynamics of sexuality and secrecy, and her penchant to capture real and imagined violence, that make this collection bristle with energy.

Kelly-Anne Riess details our self-destructive nature and our inability to save ourselves when we pursue love’s twisted, dangerous paths. But, there remains the indomitable human spirit to endure and come back for more and Riess’ poems capture that spirit in remarkable ways.

To End a Conversation - A poetry book by Kelly-Anne Riess

Excerpt:

 

Secret life of a fly

 

she buzzes around parties for conversational scraps

helps herself to the snacks     wishing

she didn’t have to spit to break up food

no wonder they swat at her

 

it would be better is she could transform

with two legs     two arms and a mouth full of teeth

she could chew a whole piece of cake

sip on a glass of wine without falling in

be surrounded by people who want to talk to her 

Excerpts also aired on The Writer’s Almanac by Garrison Keillor

To End a Conversation - A poetry book by Kelly-Anne Riess

About the book

To End a Conversation portrays women naked in loneliness, longing, and in the temporary, transitory hands of often-brutal lovers.

Within the long traditions of relationship poems the reader is reminded of the timeless sweep of the fear, distrust, and pain that destroy love and those who seek it. But it is Riess’ intelligence and worldliness as much as her powerful dynamics of sexuality and secrecy, and her penchant to capture real and imagined violence, that make this collection bristle with energy.

Kelly-Anne Riess details our self-destructive nature and our inability to save ourselves when we pursue love’s twisted, dangerous paths. But, there remains the indomitable human spirit to endure and come back for more and Riess’ poems capture that spirit in remarkable ways.

Excerpt:

 

Secret life of a fly

 

she buzzes around parties for conversational scraps

helps herself to the snacks     wishing

she didn’t have to spit to break up food

no wonder they swat at her

 

it would be better is she could transform

with two legs     two arms and a mouth full of teeth

she could chew a whole piece of cake

sip on a glass of wine without falling in

be surrounded by people who want to talk to her 

Secret life of a fly

she buzzes around parties for conversational scraps

helps herself to the snacks    wishing

she didn’t have to spit to break up food

no wonder they swat at her

it would be better is she could transform

with two legs     two arms and a mouth full of teeth

she could chew a whole piece of cake

sip on a glass of wine without falling in

be surrounded by people who want to talk to her 

Excerpts also aired on The Writer’s Almanac by Garrison Keillor

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