First Chill is a collection of poetry about Brian E. Bengtson's life in Nebraska, and the lessons learned "along the way." His poetry reflects his time as an artist, most notably working for eight years with the Omaha Magic Theater as an actor, stagehand, and director. On May 1992, he joined the growing number of Americans with HIV, and has been writing, talking, and more importantly, surviving it ever since. His poetry talks about the early years of the AIDS crisis, before the advent of new medications and new hope. He also writes about the people who have "wandered into his sights," whether they are from across the street in the middle of winter ("Purple Woman"), a beloved grandmother and matriarch ("Glenda Rae"), or the first person to die in his arms ("Survivor's Walk").
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5.0 out of 5 stars
A unique and passionate voice,
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This review is from: First Chill: A Collection of Poetry (Paperback)
With "First Chill," Nebraskan poet Brian E. Bengston establishes himself as a unique and passionate voice for Omaho, gay men, anyone facing HIV, and anyone who ever felt loneliness or longing. He celebrates all those people and more in this diverse volume, separated into five distinct sections.
"I. NEBRASKA" begins the book with images of Bengston's state and its people. These poems mix physical details like streets, buildings, or nature with internal longings. "II. Names" reveals Bengston's ability to empathize with others and listen to their dreams. The people differ as much as the forms his poems take. "III. T-Cells" reveals Bengston's personal struggle with HIV, as well as with HIV medications. It also reveals courage, hope, and frustration. This section includes my favorite poem in the entire book, "Standing at the Edge of the Quilt." That poem involves the AIDS quilt. "IV. Letters" includes poems that literally sound like letters. The recipients vary from Bengston's family members to an author of graphic novels. "V. First Chill" features the most erotic and emotional poems of this collection. Even more than in the other sections, Bengston keeps the readers off guard and can change the feel of an entire poem with the last line or two. This section provides a satisfying conclusion to a book that I would suggest for poetry lovers everywhere.
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