At Downingfield Press, we are passionate about publishing works that push the boundaries of literary expression and resonate deeply with readers. It is with great excitement that we introduce M of the Southern Downpours by Alton Melvar M. Dapanas, a collection that redefines the art of prose poetry.
M of the Southern Downpours is Dapanas’ second collection of prose poems, and it is nothing short of a literary masterpiece. Dapanas, a resident of the in-betweenness of genres and forms, crafts a book that is part lyric topography of their hometown, and part poetic centones from urban literature and place-writings of renowned authors.
In this “spellbook of poems,” Dapanas meditates on the southern Philippine cityscapes: from the stretch of Velez Street to Sayre Highway’s edge, from hotel fire exits to unpeopled bus stops along the coastal drive. The collection is a lush, pulsating world where the rhythm of rain-soaked streets and the whisper of hidden desires merge into an intoxicating symphony.
Dapanas’ prose poems are both a tender embrace and a daring confession. They capture the raw, unfiltered emotions of longing, nostalgia, and the unyielding pursuit of authenticity amidst the chaos of life. Each piece is a brushstroke on the canvas of contemporary society, revealing the intricate layers of love, loss, and identity.
The acclaim for M of the Southern Downpours has been overwhelming. Critics have praised it as an immensely relatable collection of prose poems for anyone who belongs to the queer experience, highlighting its raw and abrasive nature. The poems churn the page with longing, nostalgia, and regret, offering a bold exploration of love, loss, and the pursuit of authenticity.
As a publisher, we are honoured to bring this evocative and powerful collection to our readers. M of the Southern Downpours is more than just a book; it is an invitation to explore the depths of human emotion and the beauty of the everyday.
We invite you to dive into the world of Alton Melvar M. Dapanas and experience the magic of M of the Southern Downpours. Let these prose poems transport you to a place where memory and emotion intertwine, and where the ordinary becomes extraordinary.
