Witness Report

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Roger Hecht‘s Witness Report is a compelling collection that begins with seemingly benign observations but quickly delves into themes of violence and despair. The poem “Villanelle” starts with a serene scene, only to reveal nature's brutality as it describes a cat's tragic fate. In “Prose Poem,” the voice of a boy's bones buried in a cellar adds to the haunting atmosphere, while “Sunlight Beckons Beyond the Dumpster” critiques our relentless desires. Hecht confronts the harsh realities of life with precise, elegant language, exploring the world we’ve created—a place where we guide duck families through traffic and become “the last supper” for other creatures. He transforms a simple question from his daughter about “dauntless” into a vivid narrative of resilience amidst adversity. Hecht reinterprets American literary icons, expanding on Whitman’s “I contain multitudes” and offering a dark twist on Dickinson’s “I heard a fly buzz.” His poems breathe life into traditional forms, blending nostalgia with stark realities, as he reflects on dreams, crimes, and the search for meaning in everyday suffering. With a mix of humor and horror, Hecht’s work is a testament to a masterful poet’s wit, charm, and compassion.