The Grey Garden: Collected Poems

By Brandon Neil Ragan

Deep, Dark, and Depressing.

Mr. Ragan's first collection of poetry is written with those in mind who seek beauty in darkness. His sense of humor is both frightening and charming at the same time. A journey from self-loathing to self-acceptance, set against a dark fantasy world within the gothic sub-culture.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0595284671
• ISBN13: 9780595284672
• Release Date: July 2003
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Length: 140 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.1" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Beautiful and tragic work of art

This beautiful work of art is full of deep emotion that few people will discuss. My heart swelled with sadness and despair for the author and his soul. The poems themselves range from romantic fairytales to suicidal diary entries and everything in between. This collection of work could easily belong on the shelf between Emily Dickinson and Charles Baudelaire. I can see why this collection is so beloved amoung the Goth community with poems like "Frozen Dawn" "Opus In Black" and "Mope Culture." Experience the dark side and the underworld of Goth in "The Grey Garden."

Cult Status

For the life of me, I cannot understand why this isn't more popular than it's current cult status. Even without the "goth" tag and imagery, this book should still be able to stand on its own as a solid poetic work of art. It is art. Each poem is a painting or a song. Brandon isn't some 15 year old that wears all black and writes about how depressed he is; He is a grown man with a keen sense of humor, sharp timing and doesn't miss a beat in his verse. Some of it is devastating, some is very scary and supernatural, but most of it is beautiful. Don't get me wrong, it's dark for sure; but beautiful and dark...like a song by "The Cure" or "Siouxsie". My favorite poems are when Brandon writes about High School in the 80's and how he was treated for being 'alternative' when alternative was really 'alternative'. If it weren't for pioneers like Brandon we wouldn't have all the teeny bopper hot topic punk kids that can freely walk down the street without being taunted or assalted. Brandon and his friends paid the price for the kids today...so pay him the respect by checking out this great collection. You won't be sorry. This book truly spoke to me and I am so thankful that Amamzon carries something this artistic and daring. I can't wait for the next book which I have heard is going to be darker and longer.

dark and spooky

a lovely collection of poetry written in a quirky yet spooky way. Brandon's sense of humor is delightful like the book says. it is a shame poets like him are not well known. this is the first book of poetry i have enjoyed, and understood in ages. being a goth myself, the grey garden made me realize that i am not the only freak out there. long live the days of candlelight and vinyl!

Dark and Romantic

The grey garden is what happens when "it" all hits you at once. When you think you almost have the answer to everything, but fades away and is covered by memories. From an unhappy youth, to a gothic diva himself, Brandon is 'simply put', captivating. His voice is by far the most unique I have read in poetry since Plath. Do not be afraid of the gothic tag he has stamped all over it, this is good poetry regardless. I look forward to his next release.