When a complicated writer finds their audience

Andrea Gibson is a complicated person and that shows in their poetry collection, Lord of the Butterflies. They have several collections, this being their newest for Button Poetry. Winner of awards, writer of almost any liberal subject Gibson has a mix of poems about their personal journey, depression, lovers, current events and life in general.

Personally, I prefer the poems where Gibson is not the “main character” of the story. Not to say, I did not like the other poems, I just prefer the ones that have a more general appeal. With that said, there is something for everyone, but I feel people questioning their identities or queer individuals will be more likely to relate to most of the work.

Gibson, however, is touching on subjects we all can relate to if we have ever been in love, are in love, have suffered from depression, or are suffering from depression. And even if you have not questioned your gender or sexual identity, you are probably right there with most of us who have probably thought at some time or other, “Who am I?”

Poetry is personal, and Gibson is very personal. They deal with everything from their issues with intimacy, the last time (and they mean the last time) they tried suicide, a letter to Trump supporters, a younger lover and more. The writing is accessible to read, and you do want to devour in one sitting. I had to stop and breath between poems.  Due to some repetition in some poems, I do not think I will look for other works by Gibson, but the right person will want all their works.