Lexicon Devil for Teens

Lexicon Devil, the ninth book by Poet Birdland Slim, finds the author in a reflective mood, trying to navigate life as a man in his fifties. The book opens with a lovely remembrance of an artist friend playing the piano in a soup kitchen, setting the tone for the poems that follow.

As the narrative progresses, the poet reflects on the changes that life brings, from the passing of rock stars like Peter Shelley of the Buzzcocks to the memories of unrequited love and new, long-distance romances. The book chronicles the poet's determined effort to see his young adult hero, Morrissey, perform in concert in Saskatoon. After securing tickets, the poet's excitement is dampened when Morrissey reschedules the event, but the poet eventually gets to see the rock star poet in person.

However, the poet's life is not without its challenges. The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic disrupts the poet's life, leading to the loss of his job as his workplace runs out of money due to a lack of members. Thrust into unemployment at the age of 54, the poet struggles with this difficult time, but ultimately finds a new job, saving himself for the present, though the future remains uncertain.

Throughout the book, the poet offers glimpses of wisdom and the thoughtful perspectives of a man in his fifties, navigating the complexities of life. The book serves as a reflection on the human experience, with the poet's personal journey mirroring the broader societal changes and challenges faced during the pandemic.

The adjustments made to the language and structure of the text aim to enhance the reading experience, while preserving the original meaning and content within the 500-word limit. The reorganization of sentences and the use of more concise phrasing help to create a smoother, more engaging narrative flow.

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