Exit Wounds by David Olsen

Exit Wounds explores the genesis and aftermath of a destructive affair perpetrated by a predatory male university professor. The collection begins with poems providing the context of the woman’s vulnerability, and continues with the initial seduction at an academic conference. With deep psychological insight into motivation and power relationships, subsequent developments complete a compelling narrative of a tragedy worthy of Puccini.

Exit Wounds tells the story of a relationship, apparently perfect, which crashes, leaving enormous distress in its wake. David Olsen is an accomplished poet who writes about uncomfortable emotions, and has transformed grief, disbelief, and raw pain into flawless poems which will speak to anyone who has ‘been there’.

~Merryn Williams, founding editor of The Interpreter’s House, and author of several poetry collections and other book-length literary works.

In Exit Wounds David Olsen’s immaculate control and craft become a prism refracting and revealing raw emotion. In potent, moving language, these poems chart the disintegration of a relationship. Olsen’s distinctive voice here shines strongly through a deep emotional darkness.

~Mark Leech, author of several poetry pamphlets and the blog Open Field: Words about the natural and the human.