Sick Power Trip

‘Erik Kennedy’s Sick Power Trip thrillingly challenges and dissects the horrors of the world piling outside our front doors. This isn’t just a story of heroes versus villains: it’s a sage reminder for us to question where we stand and what we’re capable of as individuals. I adore Kennedy’s sharp wit and erudite humour, and his ability to walk the line between optimism and pessimism. This collection is a masterful example of taking back power one poem at a time.’—Chris Tse

‘Erik Kennedy’s manic narratives and twisted comedies square up to power. By turns angry, exasperated, chuckling, despairing, he gives voice to “the clammy, suffering, sweltry, cynical, burned-out, / downhearted, vulnerable people”.’—James Brown

‘Sick Power Trip takes a scalpel to the systems of power, capital, and warfare that we live with. Kennedy has an impressive knack for finding the line between didactic and forgiving, striking a note of urgency that is desperately needed in this time of crises. With wry humour and a distinct playfulness, this new collection offers not a balm for the world but the courage to dismantle it.’ —Ash Davida Jane

Erik Kennedy is the author of two previous books of poems, both with THWUP: the Ockham-shortlisted There’s No Place Like the Internet in Springtime (2018) and Another Beautiful Day Indoors (2022). Originally from New Jersey, he lives in Otautahi Christchurch.