Farting Fire by Justin Blackburn (Virgogray Press, 2009)

Just when the world is getting a little too much to deal with, comes a collection of poetry so honest and true that it’s reality is quite relieving. Enter Justin Blackburn, light-healer, performance poet and all around great guy. Justin, who has authored two other books ” Gifted Disabilities” & “Its Hard to Get There When You’re Already There” now proffers his first publication of poetry which deliver a humble view of a twenty-something living life. “Farting Fire” is the answer to those moody blues that sometimes get us down. I really enjoyed reading his manuscript and was surprised at the humanity of some of his work which I encountered. Mr. Blackburn’s publication, Farting Fire, tackles many issues in life from relationships, to school, to parents, to poetry and everything in between. While some poems such as the title poem “Farting Fire” and “Every Fart that Made you Laugh” are light-hearted verse that will definitely bring a smile to the reader’s face, but what is more is the subtle wisdom one gleans when reading the work of this young poet. Take for example a poem like “Channel 2012 News” where Justin admonishes:

“Always be sure to say a prayer / before eating your food / other people cook it with their fears / Always remember to create your own reality with love / for other people are trying to create your reality / with their fears”

 Or consider, “The Homeless Man Told the Rich Man he was a Failure” in which Justin shares an anecdote about a homeless man offending a rich man by telling him he’s a failure for not having money to lend him. “Rich people are a dime a dozen.” Classic. All in all, Justin Blackburn’s Farting Fire is a candid look into the life and struggles of a young man whose brave enough to share words that, even when tackling difficult subjects like death, remain candid and fresh. His book will be available for purchase July 21st, 2009. Presale on July 11th at www.artopium.com/vgpsa. Also, if you get a chance check out Justin live. We’ll be posting any events you may be able to catch him at, as well as other Virgogray authors!