The Many Entanglements of Modern Love: Drew Pisarra's Infinity Standing Up

Most of us have, at one time or another, fallen in love with the wrong person. During the time we’re with them, we’re sure they’re the right person, but ultimately the relationship is a fire that burns brightly, then flares out, sometimes in spectacular fashion. Many people have written songs, books, plays or films about such complicated affairs of the heart. But when’s the last time you read a contemporary set of sonnets about the pleasures and pitfalls of love in the modern age? Well, look no further. Author Drew Pisarra has just published Infinity Standing Up, a book of poems recalling his affair with a man who in turn, delighted, dazzled, intoxicated and infuriated him in equal measure.

The sonnets, which are grouped and broken up into “Acts” detail the excitement, yearning and joy inspired by a new relationship, and guide us through the beginning, middle, ending (and fitful restart) of the affair. The poems beautifully convey the complex emotions one feels in words that are at times affectionate, yet also terse and brutally honest. Pisarra expertly charts the twists and turns of a romantic journey we’ve all taken, in one way or another. You’ll feel the emotions rise up through the pages as you read these passionate odes to a muse who captured the author’s heart, but also inspired feelings of anger, frustration and loss.

Infinity Standing Up is a powerful, intense and electrifying work. It’s witty and wondrous, romantic and reflective, and tough and tender. There's something of a free-form, rock and roll energy and sensibility to these sonnets. We can empathize with this story, because we’ve all been there, and we’ve all experienced the multi-layered complexities of love and desire. This is a book that will resonate with lovers, poetry fans (and devotees of clever wordplay) everywhere. Drew Pisarra is an award-winning poet and playwright who has worked in the television industry, and toured with his one–man shows, such as The Gospel According to St. Genet. He's also had several plays produced Off-Broadway, including Burst. You can support his work by ordering the book online at Amazon. Infinity Standing Up is a wild ride, but it’s one worth taking.