Savage Menace and Other Poems

In synopsis, Savage Menace and Other Poems by Richard L. Tierney reconstitutes unusual genre verse back into normal, general readership. His use of form and language generates vivid intensity of action and smooth enactment of "ethereal lyricism" and "feel for place" (Steven Eng), which fulfill that special "mating of sound and sense" (Brander Matthews) found in the best poetry. Philosophically-underpinned, Tierney's characterisation is authentic and true to life. Poetic artistry of word-choice, atmosphere, and intentional significance combine with his tantalising use of imagination and image-making, to stimulate enjoyment, excitement, comprehension, and belief. Genre-wise, one hundred and seven poems in Savage Menace deal with multiple imaginative themes. Fantasy and reality, ranging from supernatural horror and the fantastic, through heroic fantasy, to social critique and existential enquiry, are sustained with precise, careful realism built by the artist. Tierney's expressive abilities set up memorable experiences for the reader and raise the value of Savage Menace as literary product. "Parts 1 and 4" relate themes of cosmic trepidation and wonder, and other times and spaces, where a pantheon of strange gods called "The Great Old Ones," created by H. P. Lovecraft are thematically explored and continued. Humorous poetic themes in "Part 2" are superimposed on popular music from 1850 to 1964. Songs like "De Camptown Races," "Puff, the Magic Dragon," and "Goldfinger" are among seven musical compositions which Tierney lyrically re-orchestrates for strangeness and fun. "Part 3" provides a warrior-cycle from the Hyborian Age (projected pre-Iron Age), utilising conceptual themes of Robert E. Howard. "Part 5" rounds off memories of Tierney's great gladiator-sorcerer Simon Magus, who originally drew breath in Biblical sagas. As an American Tierney is published in Australia, with further Australian connection through publisher, editor, co-author Charles Lovecraft (two titles), illustrations by Andrew McKiernan and David Schembri, and fantasy writer Leigh Blackmore ("Appreciation" and co-authorship one title). Tierney's Savage Menace and Other Poems represents a life spent dancing with the Grecian Muses of Olympus. It remains well constructed, memorable, and endlessly re-readable. Richard Tierney constitutes an important link between early twentieth century and twenty-first century weird and wider Poetry.