Notes on Yellow Paper

Notes on Yellow Paper by Kyle B. Peterson is a stunning collection of poetry that explores a young man’s coming of age and subsequent crisis of conscience. Set against the confusion of the new millennium, the book confronts morality in the wake of the sexual revolution, culture wars and spirituality. Separated into sections such as ‘His World, ’ ‘His Doubt’ and ‘His Death’, Notes on Yellow Paper originated from the notes the author scribbled to himself over the past eight years. Peterson delves into what it means to leave the Midwest for college, how it feels to adapt to life on his own and in cities, and how he has shaped and discovered his true inner soul along the way. He tackles the big questions of sex and love and communion with uncanny grace and aplomb. Carefully crafted, the poems are at turns ribald, stark, moving and funny. ‘Nineteen’ explores a boy’s fierce yearning to be a man, while ‘Adult’ explores the wonder of coming into manhood. Each poem is positioned to create a portrait of a young man growing into adulthood, a young artist finding his roots and perfecting his gift, all culminating in a collection as irresistible as it is profound.