Snapshots of People I Have Never Met

Snapshots of People I Have Never Met is a collection of short poems that reflects on the nature of observation and the stories we weave around those we encounter. Each poem captures a moment, distilled to its essence, and reflects my own interpretations and emotional responses. For instance, Sexless Slurper and Sexless Cake-Mix probe the intersections of identity and perception, while Pregnant 16 Year Old and Last Days of an Old Man confront themes of youth, vulnerability, and the passage of time.
The title Snapshots emphasizes the brevity and immediacy of these observations, akin to photographs capturing transient scenes. Each poem represents a snapshot of life's rich tapestry, viewed through the lens of my own experiences and imagination. These observations, while rooted in real moments, are ultimately infused with poetic license and subjective interpretation. This collection is as much about the act of observing as it is about the people observed.
It questions how we perceive others and how those perceptions shape our understanding of the world. The varying tones and themes-from the intimate to the public, the mundane to the profound-demonstrate the diversity of human experience and the myriad ways in which we intersect with each other, however briefly. In presenting these snapshots, I hope to offer readers a chance to reflect on their own observations and the stories they carry.
These poems are not definitive truths but rather glimpses into the vast, intricate mosaic of human life, encouraging empathy and introspection. Thank you for joining me on this journey through fleeting moments and silent stories. May these snapshots inspire you to see the extraordinary in the ordinary and to recognize the beauty and complexity in every brief encounter.-Alex