Not everything is going to move us or bring about some realizations of self that we may not have had otherwise. That’s a solid fact about anything and especially writing. That’s what I was reminded of while reading The Ghost Catcher Frequencies. It’s simply not the type of poetry or book for me but it could easily be for somebody else.
Due to Bakis suffering from psychosis and experiencing a turbulent time in regards to their mental health - the poems were spawned from that time. Most of the poem contain descriptive imagery but it might not make sense to anybody, other than the writer. Which is where the disconnect begins in terms of the writing itself. While it doesn’t mean the book is terrible - it also means it may not grip just anybody. Some might find it to be nonsensical and hollow in regards to the messages intended.
This book simply isn’t for anybody who dislikes reading extremely long poems and desires connection between the words and themselves. Again, this book isn’t for just any person to buy and read to gain some insight or to be moved somehow. What’s also strange is the usage of queer and gay throughout, knowing those are outdated words to describe “happy” ect. In the end The Ghost Catcher Frequencies is lacking certain elements that make a (poetry) book, hold the interest of a general reader.
Vanessa Maki is a queer writer, artist & blk feminist whose work has appeared or will appear in various places. She has self-published a handful of chapbooks & currently has two forthcoming in 2020: sweet like limes (Bone & Ink Press) & the chosen one (Animal Heart Press).