Not Quite a Colossus, Not Yet a Champion by Zack Schuster

                I am unsure of Zack Schuster’s height. It is possible he is a colossus. Not sure about him as a champion. He may be a champion though. This collection of poetry definitely shows that Zack is able to traverse a wide range of styles. With four parts he manages to create a wide variety of offerings, from the near-microscopic to the near epic. None of the parts are the same length. Each part reflects on a different period in life with a different form of ambition. 

                Part I’s first poems expresses a certain wisdom given by those long dead. We are reminded of the knowledge imparted upon us by those who have left us. When they left they offer nothing more, they are forever in our minds. ‘Condition’ displays this through a man, a man able to disprove everything. Slowly his words, his book is whittled down to nothing, to mere quotes. It happens. I enjoy the experimental approach to the poem which he references in his next poem. ‘Synonyms’ experiments with SAT words, words I never use IRL or in writing. He references Edgar Allen Poe’s poverty and eventual death. For me that is a little too soon. Normally I like to wait three centuries until bringing that up. 

                ‘Aesthetic’ is concise. Meaninglessness found through meaningfulness. To me that sounds like blogging. Zack confuses to stealing a pen from the DMV over the course of several poems. ‘Belief’ is a strong poem. Here Zack breaks down language to the barest of announcements, using brevity as a way of getting the point across. There are a number of beautiful lines in this one, and thankfully it is the longest poem in Part I. Jaundice man introduces himself in this section as well in the poem ‘Intertextuality’. 

                For Part II we expand the scope. Now the focus changes to possessions rather than experiences. ‘Figurine’ expresses this emptiness. ‘Figures’ goes over the idea of marketing rebellion. I like this critique of entertainment. Every pop idol has another pop critic, yet they are both stars. One openly loves consumerism, the other rails against it. I say at least the one who embraces it is honest. Zack seems to side with this critique. Various ‘loves’ forms a trilogy of tender pieces about relationships. They are unadorned. ‘Favorite’ brings back the Jaundice Man, a man who is lied to and can’t pick the best option because it doesn’t exist. This is political. Don’t trust the Democrats or Republicans it appears to say due to both of their own vested interests. 

                The third part feels traditional. Things rhyme. Free verse is abandoned. This makes sense. ‘Water’ uses a rhyming scheme to its advantage. It is the longest piece in the whole book. Yet its pace is necessary, the length justified. It is perhaps the most contemplative of all the pieces. Characters are developed, sadness takes hold. 

                Zack ends with ‘Part IV’ which comes across as reflective of all that proceeds it. It is extremely short and to the point. He remembers what he did, his accomplishments, and his doings. After all the drama, anxiety, dread, and humor it is calm and soothing. 

                ‘Not Quite a Colossus’ goes over everything one may encounter or think about in a day, from the time you dream to the time you wake up and interact with society. The experimental, oftentimes playful form works. It helps keep the whole book in perspective. Overall this is a sweet collection of poetry and another step in the direction for one Zack Schuster.