Darren Demaree, a poet, has released a new collection, Got There: Poems on Vanishing, which delves into the idea of temporarily disappearing from society. Demaree’s inspiration for the collection came from a photo by Alina Stefanescu, which depicted a dancing streetlight that vanished and reemerged at the edge of the frame.

Escapism and Responsibility

Demaree’s poems explore the tension between the desire to escape the problems of modern society and the responsibility to engage with the world. He writes about the allure of abandoning the struggles of modern life, but also acknowledges the importance of family, community, and being seen. In his poem, ‘It Makes Sense During the Day, It Makes Sense at Night,’ Demaree writes, ‘We, all of us, could leave today, / Be finally, finally fighting nothing at all with me.’

Demaree also touches on the harms caused by capitalism and the societal structures that prioritize profit over human well-being. He notes that the symbol of war is often a hotel left standing next to a bombed hospital, highlighting the prioritization of economic interests over human life.

Personal Reflections

Throughout the collection, Demaree reflects on his own role in society and the duplicity that comes with being an active member of a flawed system. He acknowledges that he cannot completely absolve himself from the violence done in the name of his country. In his poem, ‘I’ve Written Worth,’ Demaree writes about the tension between his desire to point out the flaws in society and his own complicity in those flaws.

Demaree’s collection is a thought-provoking exploration of the human desire to escape and the importance of engaging with the world. His poems offer a nuanced and personal perspective on the complexities of modern life.

Original reporting: Matter News (Columbus) — read the source article.