A Laugh and a Gag: Michael Arnzen Reads a Story

"A laugh and a gag are the same," Arnzen proudly exlaimed during the reading on October 8th at DV8. He started by reading unfinished poems he wrote, asking for critique, though his intimidating blue-jeans and cup of coffee held the crowd to only compliments. The subjects of his poems narrowed from the nauseated eyes of a vegetarian in a restaurant, with Cow as its specialty, to a poetry book dedicated to Zombies. After the readings, Arnzen held a question period where we could openly ask questions. The questions came faster than the earlier critique; duly thanks to the departed fear of flying coffee and stains since he sipped the last of the poet's nectar from his cup. Other than the necessary, 'What inspired you' questions, Arnzen had two main points that blended together to create the motif of his work. Horror is all cliche[1]. It is the ability of a writer to manipulate and use language that creates the uniqueness of a horror piece[2]. Arnzen's should not be simply classied as horror writer, but he pricks at the feux pas of horror writing. He uses language to mutate horror into his own grotesque comedy; which can be noticed during a reading, when he laughs at his own poems.

He has a book reading and signing at Barnes & Noble, near the Mall in Greensburg, on the 29th of October: It'll be a Pre-Halloween reading getting us ready for this obscure time of death and dried crackling leaves.