Birdland Slim

What I Do is Secret Birdland Slim

What I Do is Secret is the second book of poetry by the mysterious Canadian poet Birdland Slim. The books follows the poets life through January 2001 - February 2002. The poetry tells a story of loss, rebirth and loss again. The book begins with the poet on the down and out with neither job nor money. Many poems deal with separation and trying to love someone when they are not there. Many poems deal with separation from his family. Other poems deal with the impending loss of the poets Father, Grandmother and Aunt which all occurred within a short time period between each other. The death of famous people like Joey Ramone and John Lee Hooker are also covered by the poet. The book continues with a reuniting of his family and a wonderful summer spent together. The book takes an historic turn when the September 11 destruction of the twin towers in New York and the events that took place in the poets home city at that time. The book finishes off with several poems dealing with sadness and loss. The book overall draws from life and real experience and it is not about ideas or concepts. The book ultimately deals with the poets troubled life and his attempts to cope with overwhelming sorrow.