Hearthedral: A Folk-Hermetic

James Deahl is a partner in Mekler & Deahl, Publishers, and the author
of Under the Watchful Eye: Poetry and Discourse, Poetry Markets for
Canadians, and Mix Six.

Although the title of this collection evokes Hermes Trismegistus and
such concerns as gnosticism, alchemy, and magic, the actual poems are
awash in existential angst and pessimism. Hall is well versed in “the
terrible punishments of humans inflicted upon humans” (to quote Erin
Mouré), and his book is full of historical reminders of how brutish
life can be. In Hall’s poetic universe, the Judeo-Christian tradition,
secular humanism, and social activism are all spiritually bankrupt,
while death is the ultimate release from suffering.

Hearthedral does break new ground in its use of language. However, its
vision is unlikely to appeal to readers who like their despair in modest
doses.