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American Chapbooks: Reconfiguring Literary and Artistic Prestige
MIRO’S WARS by John Brantingham:
A REVIEW
MIRO’S WARS by John Brantingham
Buttonhook Press, 2026
ISBN: [Not listed]
Copyright © 2026 by Buttonhook Press and John Brantingham
Click on the title MIRO’S WARS to explore or download the free PDF chapbook.
John Brantingham’s MIRO’S WARS is a chapbook of ekphrastic poems inspired by the art of Joan Miró. The collection opens with a dedication and acknowledgements, grounding the reader in both personal and artistic context. Brantingham’s poetry is shaped by the turbulence of history and the enduring power of art, offering a compelling meditation on hope, despair, and the human condition.
The central theme of MIRO’S WARS is the intersection of art and conflict. Brantingham’s poems reflect on Miró’s paintings as responses to war, tyranny, and existential uncertainty. Each poem is titled after a Miró artwork, and together they form a narrative arc that moves from the intimate (“head of a catalan peasant”) to the cosmic (“constellations in love”), exploring how art can be both a refuge and a confrontation.
Brantingham’s style is direct yet lyrical, blending vivid imagery with philosophical reflection. He uses free verse, often employing indented lines and enjambment to evoke the movement and abstraction of Miró’s visual language. The poems are rich in metaphor—planets for eyes, ladders for hope, birds for truth—and frequently reference historical events, grounding the abstract in the real:
“His hair is a red wave and clouds in flight
or maybe they are nebula that have begun
to form a new star. His beard is of flames
shooting downward, and he stares directly
at us, challenging us with what might be
seeing through us, what might be genius.”
— from “head of a catalan peasant”
The collection is organized by Miró’s paintings, each poem acting as a meditation on a specific artwork. The poems are ordered to create a loose narrative arc, moving from personal introspection to broader social and historical commentary. The structure mirrors Miró’s own artistic journey, from representation to abstraction, from innocence to experience.
Brantingham frequently uses block quotes and references to Miró’s art, as well as historical figures and events. For example, in “fireworks,” he writes:
“Miro painted his fireworks black, they being
memories of bombs, being memories
of towns burning, torn flesh, whole families
in Spain ended by Franco, a society sinking
into the worst chaos of the century.”
— from “fireworks”
Brantingham’s work stands out for its honesty and depth. The poems do not shy away from the horrors of history, but neither do they succumb to despair. Instead, they offer a balanced critique of both art and life, placing Miró’s paintings—and Brantingham’s own poetry—in the context of ongoing struggles for meaning and hope. Compared to Brantingham’s previous work, MIRO’S WARS is more overtly political and philosophical yet retains his characteristic empathy and clarity.
John Brantingham’s MIRO’S WARS is a powerful, moving collection that will appeal to readers interested in ekphrastic poetry, art history, and the interplay between creativity and conflict. Its emotional and intellectual impact is profound, offering both solace and challenge. Those who appreciate poetry that engages deeply with art and history will find much to admire here.
Who Should Read This Book:
Anyone interested in modern poetry, art-inspired verse, or the legacy of Joan Miró. The collection is especially suited for readers who value poetry as a means of grappling with history and personal experience.
Click on the title MIRO’S WARS to explore or download the free PDF chapbook.
OJAL Art Incorporated, publishing since 2017 as OPEN: Journal of Arts & Letters (O:JA&L) and its imprints Buttonhook Press, HOT BUTTON PRESS Contemporary Issues, and HIGH BUTTON PRESS Contemporary Art, supports writers and artists worldwide.
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