Book Review: Wherever I’m At: An Anthology of Chicago Poetry

Wherever I’m At: An Anthology of Chicago Poetry. Authored by Chicagoland poets, edited by Donald G. Evans and Robin Metz, foreword by Carlo Rotella, and artwork by Chicagoland artists, After Hours Press Elmwood Park, Illinois and Third World Press Chicago, Illinois, June 13th, 2022, Paperback, 311 pages.

Reviewed by Gail Galvan.

This anthology is a masterful compilation of intriguing poems by Chicago poets. What an amazing, monumental literary project that Don Evans and Robin Metz embarked upon. And now, the book is whole and for our viewing.

I’ll say this first to explain my review content somewhat: Poetry perception, like other works of art—paintings, sculptures, etc. permeates from the eye of the beholder. In the case of poetry, in reading the words. So if someone else reads all of the poems within this anthology and does a review or wants to comment on the poetry, the result might be a totally different perspective. So bear that in mind.

Next, I’ll say this. Chicago, as most people know from current events, has a dark side. It’s like a city with two tales. The poems within this anthology depict that. So, like Sandburg, while the bright, true grit character of Chicago and its incredible citizens, with hardscrabble or sophisticated lives, is celebrated in many poems, of course, the stark, raving-mad dark attributes are colored in too. Thus, the book is not for the faint-hearted! I mean, there is sunshine, but there is a pouring out of the rain and muddy waters, and absolute tragic, emotional guts exploding off of so many of the pages in poetic, sentimental fashion. So beware. But that’s just an honest, vivid reality from poets about a city that has both the best of much and the worst of so much else.  

Now as far as the poetry goes, I see endless free verse, haikus, odes, and sonnets, and I’m sure there are some other poetic forms that I’m not even aware of. I have to confess, though, that poetry has changed so much in recent years that often, many people would think that someone was just writing a narrative. And I, sometimes, long for the rhyming couplets or other old-style stuff. Yet, this is the style these days. Even much of the formatting may seem strange to some versed in more bygone type poetry. The thing is, the content says it all. Poetic voices ring true and speak loudly in each and every poem. Admittedly, often the reader may wish the poet was sitting alongside to clarify aspects of a poem or explain the deeper meaning, but again, to the beholder, the content may conjure up a whole different perspective. 

Seeing and feeling the city of Chicago through the poet’s eyes is like touring across America on a bicycle rather than in a car. Senses are heightened, and details are magnified. The passionate poets here enable us to smell the delicious food, visualize the architecture, and take in the sights. One poet, Woodson, writes about how windows stay closed now and aromas can’t escape, but way back in the old neighborhood, there was “a baker’s dozen assortment of aromas: deep-fried-cornmeal-rolled catfish, macaroni & cheese, smothered pork chops...” You get the picture. Include Asian, Mexican, Jewish menus, et al.—and all of those appetizing senses come alive, right? Then there is beautiful Lake Michigan, Lake Shore Drive, the Bean, the Picasso statue smack dab in the middle of town, and so much more. The poet Amaker writes about: “the lake, the skyline, the big pier, the fountain in Grant Park…those pretty Chi-town lights.” He writes about a whole lot of other serious stuff, too, by the way. 

Readers are reminded of the remarkable history, iconic street intersections, el trains, chapels, department stores, museums, theaters, street musicians, and pubs and restaurants that have come and gone. The classic entertainment hangouts, Mister Kelly’s, and all the rest. Rush Street and others rock. Readers will probably even hear the music playing as Motown, Sinatra, Dorsey, Buddy Guy and Muddy Waters enter the descriptive picture. One poem mentions Ella Fitzgerald, and we all know “Chicago sings the blues!” At a Checkerboard lounge, a Smart Bar, and other juke joints, patrons came to dance!

Especially, souls are shared…about the people, all kinds—we learn so much. As Neil Diamond sings, “They’re coming to America!” Indeed, immigrants from all over the world replanted themselves in the Midwestern Windy City with high hopes. These heartfelt poems about Chicago and its people, a tale of two cities, demand our attention. We love the goodness that is told in the stories, and of course, we hate the pain, sadness, and injustices that are revealed. Relieved, I’m certain, by so many people as they read many of the poems. 

Yet, as depicted in Jackson’s poem, “Sunrise,” we, the readers, and the poets, I’m sure, always look for the sun to shine again. Jackson writes:

“The sun finally rises over the lake slowly.
Pushes through the pink fog to me, licks the water
And we stare at our reflection together.
What better mirror than Lake Michigan?
What better place to shine than Chicago?”

Here’s a short note on the cover and artwork within. The graphic images add another dimension to the Windy City, showcases that remarkable Chicago talent, and adds to the intensity and beauty of the book. I know Terkel, Sandburg, and Brooks would be so incredibly proud of this holistic poetic literary work! Mainly because the poems, poets, artists, artistic images, city, and people written about are not only the voices of America—THEY ARE AMERICA!

Anyone with strong ties to Chicago should have this literary gem sitting on the coffee table at home! Reflect, enjoy!