Pepe Nero
"The Homoiconian Rest Home" by Pepe Nero is a whimsical yet poignant exploration of aging icons from pop culture. The narrator visits an exclusive rest home where legendary figures like Elvis, Marilyn, and even Mickey Mouse live out their twilight years. Through a bittersweet reunion with an old flame, the poem reflects on the passage of time, nostalgia, and the inevitable decline of once-vibrant characters.
Book Cover
"Dancing All The Steps I Know" by Pepe Nero humorously explores the desperation and awkwardness of unrequited attraction. The narrator performs an array of dance moves, from moonwalks to pirouettes, in a futile attempt to capture the attention of a beautiful woman at a bar. Despite his efforts, his antics go unnoticed or misinterpreted, leading to a playful reflection on the struggles of seeking romantic connection.
"Naked Line" by Pepe Nero explores the delicate, razor-thin boundary between two souls, likening it to a Giacometti sculpture--thin, vertical, and profound. The poem captures the tension and attraction between these beings, where flaws clash and meld, leaving a trail of subtle, gritty emotions that shape their shared yet separate existence into a sculptural form of poetic expression.
We're Here" by Pepe Nero poignantly captures a moment of youthful grief and camaraderie. A group of teenage friends, too young for the burdens they bear, stumble through a midnight street after leaving a funeral, their drunken voices repeating a haunting refrain. The poem reflects on the innocence and confusion of youth confronting mortality, finding solace in each other amidst their shared sorrow.
Book Covers
Cover by Elfi Schuselka
