“Knowing” by Mark Cox (Book Review #1868)

Mark Cox’s “Knowing” is an unflinchingly honest and poignant collection of poems that delve deep into the complexities of human experience. Cox pulls no punches in his exploration of love, drinking, travel, and the inevitable mishaps that punctuate life’s journey. This collection stands out for its raw candor and the author’s ability to find humor even in the darkest moments.

From the outset, Cox sets the tone with a vivid recollection: “Looking back for a low point marking the worst of my insobriety, it might be that signal moment I put out my cigarette in the holy water font of St. Paul’s Catholic church, right in front of the priest…” This anecdote encapsulates the blend of irreverence and introspection that characterizes much of his work. It’s a moment that’s both shocking and oddly relatable, illustrating Cox’s talent for capturing the absurdity of our mistakes. The poems in “Knowing” are a testament to the author’s unyielding honesty. Cox confronts his own flaws and failures with a sense of humor that is at once sobering and uplifting. His reflections on relationships are particularly striking

Written by Jeyran Main