Jordan M Ehrlich

"Progressive Digression" is poetry from a male adolescent's perspective about self worth, self confidence, the opposite sex, and God. I got this book in a free giveaway, and it's relevant that I'm long past the age group. Regardless of my age, I could identify with the poetry. Most people could. Ehrlich captures some universals very well. He does, in fact, capture adolescence very well. His very first poem calls to mind Charlie Brown and the little red haired girl (oops, I'm giving away my age).

The poems I favored include 'Get off my back' for its refreshingly terse use of 2nd person perspective. 'The Phone Call' is very identifiable, mind - racing, and spartan - something I enjoyed. 'Shower' is provocative and about identity (perhaps racial but more likely spiritual).

I do think the book is best suited for young people. I found too many poems to be thematically age - specific. My interest in youth psychology in poetry has limits, and the book could be pared down without losing value. I like diversity of topics and perspectives in my reading, such as one would find with Frost. "Progressive Digression" is routinely first person in grammar and occupied with finding context. For those reasons, it is best for youth to whom it will give empathy.… (altro)