The Moon as Understood by Skyscrapers

The Moon as Understood by Skyscrapers is the second collection by young poet Vinnie Sarrocco. These poems, described by the author as being “co-written by the city of Seattle,” reflect a sense of alienation and general disaffection that is “sometimes found in big city breezes.” Vinnie’s work is at once poignant and melancholic, charming and comical. There is attention to craft on every page, and love of language in every line. It will be released April 17, 2020 in conjunction with a livestreamed reading by the author. Author-signed copies will be available for delivery by mail or curbside pickup in Pioneer Square.

"In The Moon as Understood by Skyscrapers, a keen eye is at work. Sarrocco offers poems that—though composed from the epicenter of American culture—speak with the perspicuity of outside perspective. His lines shine light on contemporary hypocrisy and absurdity, all the while dazzling readers with the beauty of the everyday, “the burnt / edges of things.”  Heartrending—often hilarious—these pages reveal a scar on a forearm as art, a man blaring Lee Moses in a public bathroom as prophet. This is a timely collection from an important new voice in poetry." 
—Erika Brumett, author of Bonehouse and Scrap Metal Sky 

“One of the most honest voices on the Seattle poetry scene." 
—Steve Sibra, author of Hillbilly Virus and Other Tales of Absurdity and The Turtle Is Not a Metaphor

Going to Shows Alone
The air has been aged
in the musk of ten thousand
sweaty iconoclasts
bleeding intensity
onto painted concrete
sticky with spilled beer
spit and god knows what else
The opener wails on
scorned by the sound guy—
petulant noise for the
sake of forsaking silence.
I am the cheese
meandering between
bar and phalanx
of cross-armed hipsters;
a bona fide battalion
of lonely hearts
too old to wage war.
The headliner will arrive
like a second coming
the ecstasy of art
and religion not dissimilar.
I will leave tired
ears suffused with feedback.
I will leave thinking
it was almost worth it.

Vinnie Sarrocco is a poet and raconteur from rural North Carolina. He currently works out of Seattle Washington, where he lives and masquerades as an upstanding citizen. His work has been featured in Cirque, Coffin Bell, The Poetry Box, Rue Scribe, Rumble Fish.