Archipelagos by Geoffrey Philp

Archipelagos is the latest book of poetry from Geoffrey Philp. It is a profound exploration of the circumstances of history and the human condition. A multi-genre author, Philp honed his craft over many years. This book showcases that skill. His words seek to reclaim narratives that are often silenced by more dominant voices.

Each of the book's thirty-four component pieces serves as a snapshot of a particular moment. Individually, or as a whole, these works expose the complex nature of collective experience and existence. In so doing, it cuts across different cultures and landscapes to draw readers into its depths.

Throughout Archipelagos, Philp demonstrates an apt ability to capture the struggles and emotions of its characters. He does so in vivid detail, whether the displaced indigenous children of "A Search for Ancestors", or the conflicted title character of "The Admiral".

This selection offers an abundance of voices and viewpoints. The writer imbues the inhabitants of his verse with an authenticity that is sure to inspire belief.

In this collection, historical events and contemporary issues are adeptly woven together. The enduring impact of colonialism is repeatedly highlighted. In fact, Archipelagos leads with a five-poem series entitled "Colonial Discourse". These works serve as a deep dive into the subject.

Written after the Martician poet Aimé Césaire, they reflect on exploitation and resistance within the colonial context. The chapters of "Colonial Discourse" each have their unique setting and approach, but they share thematic threads of oppression, violence, and the quest for liberation. Notorious figures ranging from Christopher Columbus to Leopold II of Belgium are front and center in these verses.

In "America 2020" and "Roadmap to Genocide", the invitation is to ponder dark legacies and their connection to ongoing struggles for equal rights and justice. The former is a seething critique of the United States and its moral failures. The latter peers into a chilling mindset and warns of the dangers of authoritarian leadership and dehumanization.

Archipelagos underscores the importance of collective memory. Philp draws parallels between atrocities of the past and injustices of the present. The pictures he paints are both a reminder and a call to action.

Caribbean literature is notable for its recurring emphasis on identity and heritage. Philp spends time exploring these subjects, as well.

In poems like "Creole Warrior" and "The Forest Woman", he celebrates the resilience and strength of marginalized communities. The first is a tribute to American climate activist Colette Pinchon Battle. Both are grounded in environmental issues, another recurring concern in this volume.

Environmental degradation is further addressed in the titular "Archipelago", "After the Hurricane", "A Gathering of the Orishas", "Anthropocene Suite", and "A Terrible Beauty", among others. Philps often connects the dots between socio-political inheritances and their negative physical manifestations in the present.

Anyone familiar with the author's back catalog has likely noticed his affinity for Yoruba folk religion. The divine spirits, orishas, make frequent appearances in his writing. This book is no exception. The orisha of winds, lightning, and violent storms is present in "Oya Awakened". "Olokun's Justice" introduces the orisha of great wealth and the bottom of the ocean. In the previously mentioned "A Gathering of Orishas", a host of other orishas come forth - Osain, Xango, Oshun, and Eshu.

Archipelagos is a compelling and thought-provoking compilation, but at times it can be a bit weighty. There is both a somberness and an urgency present, setting it apart from much of Philp's earlier work.

Poems such as "American Welcome" evoke sadness and despair. Throughout Archipelago, the writer grapples with the topics of trauma, oppression, and loss. To grapple along with him can be an emotional drain.

A heavy reliance on historical references and cultural contexts has the potential to make Archipelagos less accessible for some. The detailed and well-researched nuances that make Philps' writing so strong in one sense may be lost on some. If those readers take time to dig a little into the background stories, they would benefit from further illumination. Still, the themes are universal and understandable.

With such effective writing, any instances of unfamiliarity are overcome with relative ease. These works are a potent testament to the enduring spirit of resistance among oppressed peoples.

Archipelagos succeeds in its mission to reveal the interconnectedness of human experiences across time and space. It does so through a diverse array of perspectives. The collection calls on everyone to engage with complex questions of self-knowledge, history, and social justice.

Through evocative imagery and lyrical language, Archipelagos stands witness to the power of poetic storytelling.

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Archipelagos was published March 16, 2023 by Peepal Tree Press

Geoffrey Philp is the author of two novels, two short story collections, three children's books, and eight books of poetry.

Geoffrey can also be found sharing his words on Vocal. Check him out HERE.