Ishmael Mask

Charles Kell's second collection of poems considers the instability of identity through fictional and religious characterswhile tackling issues of addiction, incarceration, and loss.In Ishmael Mask, Charles Kell reminds us that identity is precarious. Kells collection is a collage of the journeys and interior lives of various wanderersfrom Ishmael, the son of Hagar, to Melvilles Ishmael, and from Pierre of The Ambiguities to Pierre Guyotat. Each poem strips back the mask and beckons us to witness humanity in its barest forms. Captain Ahabs leg, Ishmaels arm, and Pierres severed head serve as invitations to consider hunger and hope. The inspirations behind these poemsthe Bible, Heraclitus, Melville, Guyotat, Toma alamunare transformed by Kell, conjuring dreamscapes both dazzling and haunting.Ishmael Mask masterfully allows a glimpse into the human experience of feeling losteven when right at home, even in our own bodies.