Aubrey Birch’s VESICAPISCIS is a collection of prose poetry pulsing with the anxieties, wonders, and contradictions of modern life. Through a series of introspective and often surreal verses, Birch delves into themes of identity, consciousness, fame, narcissism, and the nature of reality itself.

VESICAPISCIS opens with a powerful, tone-setting declaration: “Rilke, I have changed my life. / What next?” From there, Birch’s reflective approach explores different facets of existence and perception. Most of the untitled entries here are a couple of paragraphs or less, but Birch makes every word count, delivering one impressively potent observation after another.

Birch’s writing style is a unique blend of lyrical and philosophical, employing vivid imagery, metaphors, and recurring motifs (such as the concept of “hollowness”). The fragmented narratives invite readers to follow the author’s wandering, occasionally self-deprecating thoughts as they grapple with questions of self and being. This ultimately results in an immersive experience, where lines like “I am a stance, but I am not a position” feel as relatable as they are inspiring.

One of the collection’s main strengths is the way Birch skillfully juxtaposes mundane observations with philosophical musings, highlighting the extraordinary within the ordinary. For instance, a simple spider on a window becomes a launching point for contemplations on life, perception, and God. As Birch writes, “The spiders have begun jabbing and seething and dancing. They are hoping to summon the ghostly voices and far-off beats,” transforming a fleeting, everyday observation into something that feels far more profound.

VESICAPISCIS also touches on themes of technology and modern life, questioning how our digital existence impacts our understanding of reality and ourselves. Birch’s reflections on the nature of consciousness, artificial intelligence, and the role of a higher power in human existence are particularly thought-provoking. For instance, in one poignant passage, Birch muses, “Tell me for your machine, who does not know what it does not know,” perfectly setting the table for the existential quandary that follows: “Here we are, at an abyss.”

While the abstract nature of Birch’s writing may initially challenge some readers, those who appreciate cerebral, contemplative poetry will find much to ponder in repeated visits. To that point, VESICAPISCIS is a shining example of a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. What might initially feel like a disparate collection of thoughts eventually coalesces into a focused, captivating examination of the human condition in all its complicated glory.

From the evocative artwork adorning the cover to the unconventional (yet surprisingly intuitive) layout and formatting, Aubrey Birch’s VESICAPISCIS is a stark, cohesive statement from a gifted author with a unique perspective and voice.

~James Weiskittel for IndieReader