A Necessary Explosion is an act Dan Burns performs daily to expel the stories pressing on his mind. Only by getting words down onto the page can he make room for all that comes next. Exploring the themes of life, love, family, writing, music, travel, history, and humanity's future, this collection artfully conveys the words of a craftsman in relatable, accessible poems.
In "Afterimage," a man struggles with his diminishing memory but takes comfort in knowing that he can always recall the image of the only woman he ever loved.
"Worlds Traveler" stands as a dedication to, and remembrance of, Ray Bradbury and his influence on the author.
"A Necessary Explosion" explores the cranial pressure that builds as a result of life's experiences and the need for humans to release that pressure to survive.
Each of the seventy-five poems in this collection offers a glimpse into the mind of a hopeful poet and storyteller. They will make you consider your place in the world and leave you contemplating the magic of poetry.
Dan Burns is the author of seven books, including the novels A Fine Line and Recalled to Life, and the short story collections Grace: Stories and a Novella and No Turning Back: Stories. He is also an award-winning writer of stories for the screen and stage. A Necessary Explosion: Collected Poems is his first poetry collection, fifteen years in the making.