Terence Degnan is the real thing-a streetwise philosopher whose poems ring with music, rough wisdom, and wry humor. They don't "guardrail" or snowflake with us;" and there's "no need to doctorate around." The speaker here-"born with eyes too wide/ sworn to an Irish secrecy"-is both emphatic and questioning, professing to "regret almost everyone," while asserting "in me is born a great empathy." Indeed. Degnan strikes such a fine balance between grit and grace, it kind of hurts. It's the good kind of hurt you should run out and read.
-Tina Cane, Poet Laureate of Rhode Island, author of Body of Work and Year of The Murder Hornet
Terence Degnan's poems are flush with what the world could use a bit more of right now-laughter, joy, honesty, vulnerability. When directed at their audience's inner child, these poems sing with intent. They will hold you, laugh with you, and ultimately lead you towards imagining a better world. Keep them close.
-Denne Michele Norris, Editor-in-Chief, Electric Literature