Excuses

Ronald Charles Epstein is a Toronto-based freelance writer and published poet.

John Wing’s literary achievements include four books, at least two
poetry magazine credits, and one anthology appearance—a distinguished
curriculum vitae. He has also appeared on The Tonight Show, in many
comedy clubs, and on several cruise ships. Excuses gives one an
opportunity to observe a stand-up comedian while he is seated and
thinking.

Wing is not a memorable or hilarious television performer, but he
provides gems for different fanbases. He advises the reader to “Love
you [sic] neighbor / as yourself, up to / not not including / mutual
masturbation,” getting mistaken for Woody Allen in the process. Fans
of observant poetry may relish his description of “The Great Hockey
Player’s” fans who “told their sons what was what, / using modern
stars’ names to make them / understand what the great hockey player
meant.” The poet has mastered his craft.

In “This Is Only the Beginning,” political and television clichés
are mixed in. “Operation Enduring Bullshit” satirizes the Bush
administration’s War on Terror. “[T]his poem will self-destruct”
sends up a popular line from the classic 1960s spy drama Mission
Impossible. Prime topical hamburger is served.

Boomer nostalgia connects Wing to people who cannot identify with
comedians or poets. News of “the October Crisis” raises the young
paperboy’s political awareness, and his sighting of his first live
naked woman furthers his sentimental education.

Wing does not have to offer any excuses for his poetry. On the other
hand, Mosaic Press should apologize for its botched table of contents.