Our review:

The Absinthe of Desire is actually the title of a longer poem within this collection. It chronicles a relationship which, like absinthe, is both intoxicating and destructive. The poetry is easy to read and presents simple ideas in a deceptively simplistic and effective style. We really enjoyed these poems.

Extract:

The Absinthe of Desire

Part I: Love begins

in many ways, but always
unexpectedly.

We meet

at breakfast, at a political convention
where I’m a delegate, and you
are an amateur reporter for one of
the meaner right-wing rags you own,

when you spill orange juice on me,
as you back away, laughing,
from an irate fellow whose views
and honesty you’ve impugned,
brutally, and at length, in the first
story you’ve ever filed.

You apologize to me, profusely,
charmingly confidant of being forgiven,
and you are; I can’t help being delighted
you bumped into me.

“Where have you been all my life?”
you inquire, and I flippantly reply
--oh, busy, busy, busy—and pass by
quickly to my seat,
                                    feeling amazed,
unzipped, as if my heart
has just fallen into my lap,
like an apple.