To Your Health: Humanity's Diagnosis by Jeremiah Walton is a chapbook with only five poems (a very quick read!). Although I was most impressed by his writing style and age, I felt as if though I could not adequately give a review because of this chapbook's length. I think if I were to read perhaps five more poems (for a chapbook of 10 poems), then I can give a much better review of the poet's work because there would be a much wider range of discussion (e.g., for style, voice, themes, etc.). Bri

(excerpt)

All the birds aligned

With sharp crack beaked smiles

All singing

A black arrow shot

Feathers exploding,

Their guts bursting from song

. . .

And they'll sing, and they'll sing

And we'll sing,

Along out of tune

We are the birds,

Orchestrated and rehearsed

(excerpt)

No one notices

The statuary rape of Afghanistan is still going

No one notices

The president impregnates his secretary's throat with patriotism

We are disgusted

by Jeremiah Walton is a chapbook with only five poems (a very quick read!). Although I was most impressed by his writing style and age, I felt as if though I could not adequately give a review because of this chapbook's length. I think if I were to read perhaps five more poems (for a chapbook of 10 poems), then I can give a much better review of the poet's work because there would be a much wider range of discussion (e.g., for style, voice, themes, etc.). Briefly, Walton's style is reminiscent of Allen Ginsberg, but with a twisted sense humor that can be found in dark/noir poetry. Nevertheless, for the purpose of book ratings, I would rate this book as 3.9 out of 5 stars.First, I absolutely love the title. It is an attention-grabber. However, as I mentioned previously, if the author had a few more poems included in this chapbook, this will give more variety of "diagnoses" for humanity. But as it is currently, I'd say that there needs to be more exploration on this topic (so perhaps I could give the book a higher rating). After all, there are many things good and bad about the world...In "Then There Was Light," this poem explores what "light" is to mankind, particularly on a more philosophical, meditative level as it boils down to the same conclusion no matter if we take the scientific, religious, or any other route for that matter: "A potent mixture for the desperate seeking answers." What is Truth?"We Will Sing" is my favorite poem from Walton's chapbook. I love how birds are a metaphor for humanity. Although there were minor errors, this is the poem I am most drawn to.The repetition and vivid diction used in this poem are strong and hypnotizing. It gives you the answer to why the caged bird sings. This poem is a reminder that mankind likes the sense of control. However, who are we to say that we would go along with our own individual thinking all the time? Because at times we are like the birds, we cannot help it but to mold ourselves in a flock (perhaps out of fear, to go with society's norms, etc.), getting into dilemmas of groupthink and finding ourselves a puppet just going along with the crowd.In "Perspective," this short satirical poem depicts how our "attention span" is limited--perhaps due to the fact that the things we watch and read from the media, from current news to celebrities to pop culture, everything becomes overwhelmingly saturated. And when that saturation happens, nothing more can be said about the news (we get bored, then "[no] one notices"), and so we move onto the next hot topic/scandal/gossip.Jeremiah Walton is a promising upcoming poet. His diction and style are lyrical, colorful, and gripping. All of his poems are almost stream-of-conscious, Ginsberg style that explore and comment on (a part of) humanity. Althoughwas a short read, I think it would be wonderful if Walton continues to add to this chapbook (there are many things he could cover). I look forward to reading more of his work in the near future!I received this book as a PDF file from the author himself in exchange for a review.