The Butterfly Bruises

The Butterfly Bruises by Palmer Smith, published by Press Dionysus in 2021, is a collection of 176 pages written in English. This work presents a series of poems and stories that explore themes such as animals, the ocean, miscommunication, and the contrasts between Northeastern and Southern American culture. The collection invites readers into a variety of lyrical narratives, including dreamlike scenarios and imaginative encounters.

Within these pages, readers will find a range of experiences that touch on family dynamics, the interplay between nature and technology, and the unique perspective of the introvert. The narratives feature intriguing elements, such as a couple sleepwalking together, a therapist envisioned as a snake, and a manatee befriending a widow. The collection also includes a ghost haunting an old Charleston home and portrays New York City as a character in its own right, creating a tapestry of magic and mystery throughout the work.