Paina, Corrado: The Alphabet of the Traveler

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

Corrado Paina was born in 1954. This is the only information about him that is mentioned in this book. More facts can be found on the publisher’s, or author’s, website.

One need not go to all that trouble or bother with that self-indulgent poet at all. This judgment does not refer to Paina’s literary persona. If he is going to assume the role of a wandering gentleman of leisure, he must risk censure. He acknowledges this fact by stating that “he is not, though many would disagree, a parasite.” Hard-working readers may accept, or even identify with, a vagabond who does not violate their trust.

Unfortunately, Paina the traveller does so in “Umbabene”—his worst poem, if it was his. It is actually an excerpt from director Michael Antonioni’s 1975 drama The Passenger, with title graciously added by the poet. The film, director, and screenwriter Mark Peploe are all credited, as if brazenness excuses a rip-off. One expects a poem to be entirely crafted by its author. This rip-off creates the false impression that this writer is incapable of original thought and the correct impression that he shows no consideration for his readers.

“Arthur” showcases Paina’s ability to create novel imagery. Its protagonist’s fingernails are “circumcised by the infantile bite.” Unfortunately, that phrase induces thoughts that one is only too eager to erase!

This book operates on the same premise as a bad action movie. Its producer assumes that its mayhem blinds the viewer to its plot holes. Hopefully, the reader will be too engrossed in escapism to notice Paina’s nonsensical phrase, “The traveler should not have any memory.”

Corrado Paina even cheats those who read this book for free.