Happy Poems and Other Lies - Paperback

Happy Poems and Other Lies details the experiences of an exiled speaker who struggles to conform to the rigid religious beliefs imposed by their family. The speaker's various identities revolve around being a son, a wanderer, and a self-proclaimed prophet. Combining elements of biblical language, surrealism, and absurdism, these poems explore the speaker's longing for acceptance and their internal conflicts as they navigate their own spirituality. Each of the collection's three sections portrays the evolution of the speaker's identity. The initial section delves into the speaker's origins, highlighting their struggle to reconcile personal beliefs with familial expectations and traditions. The second section captures the speaker's return home after an extended absence, where they confront their past and navigate complex family dynamics. In the final section, the speaker embarks on a transformative journey away from home, distancing themselves from their past and religious constraints. This separation leads to a profound revelation as they embrace their true self, finding solace in their own spirituality and embracing a liberating transformation.