Customer Reviews

Flowers in the Shadow of the Storm

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Christopher Cunningham has a passion for the preservation of the poem in new era that has seen hundreds of here-today-gone-tomorrow, "underground" lit zines, and myspace blogs. In a world of watered down, vulgar for the sake being vulgar poetry, Cunningham speaks with grace and clarity. He uses simple moments in time to convey the larger lesson of life.

His work is so much more then simply words on a page, he carefully creates an entire package, by hand painting the storm clouds on each and every cover of this book. Each of his previously releases also have this personal touch that truly enhances his connection to his readers. In a recent interview with What to Wear During an Orange Alert, Christopher had this to say about the presentation of his poetry, "a book is a totality of expression, in my view. the whole thing should be a poem. that's why I like to go the extra mile... I want the book to be something I'm proud of all the way around."

This book is beautiful cover to cover, but a few of my personal favorites are; Grown Numb, A Time of Rest, and Dreaming of a Good Life.

Cunningham is an independent press poet with an amazing aptitude for innovative and novel metaphors and analogies. His words sing with imagery, and his poems speak to the many vagaries and banalities of life. These are working class poems for the world.
Flowers in the Shadow of the Storm is a gorgeous collection complete with original cover art by the poet. But, it's the words inside, the sentiments and philosophies that are most important.

If you are a lover of poetry, or merely a fan of fresh ways of looking at the world; or, if you are in need of something powerful to help you through a difficult time (the ultimate reason poetry exists), then you can't do much better than this collection.

I have purchased, and read, Christopher Cunningham's
beautifully presented book of poetry, and I have been moved
to offer a few words about this book published by sunnyoutside.

From the first touch, there is something unique about
Flowers in the Shadow of the Storm. There are certain
"Feels" to books. This book has the feel of poetry in the
rough cut paper cover. Then seeing and feeling the cover,
individually hand painted by the author on each book.

Yes, you will say. This is not an ordinary book. This is a
book which has been presented with passion, and guts.

When was the last time you held a book with a hand painted
cover?

But it's true you cannot judge a book by its cover, and
inside are worlds the author has given us, rewarding the
trust the reader has offered to the author.


Poetry captures a moment, and poems share a vision
an author has visited with their trusting readers.

Poetry is simple. And those best at it make it look easy.
Christopher Cunningham makes it look effortless. But, hey?
Don't be fooled, there is much work in bringing forth a
collection such as been presented in:

Flowers in the Shadow of the Storm


Look at the strength of: as the night falls away

I'm touched by moments barely noticed, and brought forth
with simplicity, and clarity. Christopher Cunningham
delivers the goods with a shy smile, and a tip of the hat,
and I thank him for his hard work.

- -
Okay,
Father Luke