Miriam El Abbassi | Arts Editor
Featured Image: Ross explores various themes throughout this work, constantly challenging conventional norms that exist within contemporary poetry. | Miriam El Abbassi
Written by York University alumni, Stuart Ross, Motel Of The Opposable Thumbs, is an eclectic collection of poetry spanning over four decades. Ross explores various themes throughout this work, constantly challenging conventional norms that exist within contemporary poetry.
It should be noted that in order to have the most pleasurable experience reading this collection, one should abandon any expectations or preconceived notions of what poetry should look like. After all, Ross’ collection is structured after Béla Bartók’s String Quartet No. 4, which is unconventional for any contemporary poet, to say the least.
String Quartet No. 4 presents itself in five movements: Allegro; Prestissimo, con sordino; Non troppo lento; Allegretto pizzicato; Allegro molto. Ross has clearly divided Motel Of The Opposable Thumbs in the same manner. This collection doesn’t follow any kind of linear narrative, but rather jumps from place to place, not giving the reader even one moment of rest.
Toronto Poem and Birthday help to artfully paint an incredibly desolate landscape. The harshness of urban spaces is fully realized, with lines such as: “Anxious towers reach into the white-haired clouds / that throw shadows over / your tired, sweaty people, who squeeze between each other on self-conscious / sidewalks cracking open beneath the / weight of fearful commerce and / vanishing newspapers” on page 30 of Ross’ anthology.
Birthday delves into more gruesome imagery, chronicling a rather odd series of events. It’s difficult to pinpoint where it fits within the context of the entire work, other than to emphasize a darker tone throughout this section.
It is evident that Motel Of The Opposable Thumbs is for the adventurous reader that is open to trying something new, and for those okay with the possibility of things not always making sense. This work is incredibly unique, and stands out from its contemporary counterparts.
Ross has spent his time, not only as a writer, but as an editor, teacher and small press activist. His work has garnered several accolades, and has authored over 20 books of poetry, fiction and essays. His recent works include: Pockets (ECW Press, 2017), A Sparrow Came Down Resplendent (Wolsak and Wynn, 2016), and A Hamburger in a Gallery (DC Books, 2015).
Apart from the work he creates, Ross has taught workshops in elementary and high schools across Canada. According to Anvil Press’ media release: “Visiting schools and working with students of all ages is his favourite part of his writing practice. Stuart is at work writing nearly a dozen different poetry, non-fiction, and fiction manuscripts.”
