Review: 'Thoughts I Lost in the Laundry' by Leia Butler
A review by A.R.Arthur
'Thoughts I Lost in the Laundry' by Leia Butler is a distinct collection of poetry that speaks to the ruminations found in passing reflections that signify just how complex both the general mundane and the lived pain within it are. Butler's words pervade the mind as they seek to break the seal on the silent observations, critiques and darkness shrouded by the light, hidden deep within the mind of the narrator.
This collection presents the reader with motifs such as existentialism, anxiety, and a deep-rooted melancholia that stems from a distant yet ever present past. This leaves the reader washed in the might of Butler's sentiment, the rawness of her emotions and the perception of quietness around juxtaposed by a constant narrative refrain centred around a sense of continuity. This continuity sees this narrative progress with thoughts that contrast and grow with gusto. Only furthering the deeply thought-provoking nature of 'Thoughts I Lost in the Laundry' .
I am 72 in 50 years,
and I am worried about tomorrow’s expired eggs,
and I do not have time to
each passing minute is calling me names,
because nobody ever said it to my face.
(9)
Butler touches on something quintessential to the Gen-Z experience; a boundless existentialism and frustration not only with the everyday, but the absolutely demoralising nature of the world for the newly adult, Gen Z. Further, a key theme within this collection is an emphasis on time and its passing. A distinctive sense of frustration further elevates this narrative focus to suggest that whilst tomorrow may be a world away. Living in the present is not necessarily simple or enjoyable. Indeed, Butler suggests that even within the present do future fears weigh heavy on the mind of the narrator.
We are talking hinge dates,
the ones with dogs in their profiles,
or that answer the questions seriously,
we are worried that continuous swiping will lead to finger
fatigue.
You could do better,
I could do less,
why aren’t we moving?
(24)
As a member of Gen-Z and, without making this review solely Gen-Z focused, I commend Leia for writing a collection that speaks to a generation that is heavily neglected in the literary community. Moreover, Butler's word economy must also be applauded as the sustained attention to diction and necessity of each word, each passing reflection only serves to affirm her strength of craft. The aforementioned extract highlights the sustained frustration that is ever present and questioned both by the narrator and as a result, by the reader who is challenged to reflect on their own living for better and for worse. I do so enjoy a collection that engages with the reader as much as the narrative as it makes for increased reader engagement beyond the confines of the world written and formed by the narrator.
how can I drink this in front of your face,
and you ask me if it tastes nice,
and how can I say no when you bought it for me,
and you are still smiling,
and I imagine your insides,
and this is handwash only.
(41)
Butler's focus on a delicate temporality only reinforces the core narrative of this collection whilst returning to the fear of the unknown and the frustration that sometimes arises from a reality where we yearn and strive for more. Leia touches on the idea that perhaps we're all looking for 'an exciting world' even if we are 'not living in it’.
I want to exist in “well…”
that second half of the sentence,
Because worse than dying would be to die without the dot dot
dot,
the bit of the thought that bites,
an inside joke,
or a promise of ‘I’m not actually invisible’.
(45)
As a whole, Thoughts I Lost in the Laundry' is a frank collection of poetry that speaks to the contemporary wanderer. The hopeful existentialist searching for answers and change whilst wanting to see and be seen. Butler's focus on these lost thoughts provokes an introspection mighty and necessary within the reader.