First on the Fire

I had never heard of Mr. Axel, but I heard him read in Omaha, Nebraska. He has some simple poems that I liked, and other poems that are more complex, but still accessible to regular guys like me. His topics include abuse, love, sex, mothers, etc. I liked the variety in his poems. Read "three poems for three lovers," 'Cliche," "red Paint," and "The Sexuality of Youth," and then you have a good representation of Mr. Axel's poems. The way he arrived at his title is an interesting story, and the title is perfect. I also like the size of the book, the way it feels in my hands, and the cover. Buy it!

I sat down with the intention of reading a few poems. Though was unable to get up until I had finished the whole book! Axel creativly evokes thought through his work and paints images in many realms of emotion. A must have book!

Brett Axel has heart. "First on the Fire" is a touching and soulful work all the way through while maintaining a great, great sense of humor! Heavy duty talent here.

My mom would burn this book if she saw some of the poems in it. But really, it isn't vulgar. It's real. Most of it is pretty tame, sweet, and touching even, which makes the stronger stuff stand out all the more. I would suggest this book to people. Especially to people that think there is well crafted poetry on one side and nitty gritty street poetry on another. This is both, or maybe neither, maybe something entirely different.

I know brett axel he's this really poetic kinda guy when i want to talk to his wife in icq he makes me laugh he rights really touching poems andsome are really funny about politics.You should read some of his poems you'd get a kick out of them