Rev.James Dennis Casey IV Poetry | A popular American poet

James D. Casey IV is a multifaceted creative—Gonzo Journalist, poet, artist, and the Founder/Editor-in-Chief of Cajun Mutt Press. His work has appeared widely in both print and online through numerous small press venues and literary magazines, establishing him as a powerful voice in contemporary American literature.

In 2016, his poem “Warriors of the Rainbow” won the Critic’s Choice Award in La Voce dei Poeti, La Catena della Pace International Poetry Contest. Later, in 2019, his poem “That’ll do Pig” was nominated for the Pushcart Prize by New Pop Lit.

Rev.James Dennis Casey IV 

He is the author of eight poetry collections, each reflecting his raw yet philosophical approach to writing. His poetry often explores themes of rebellion against dogma, social justice, human compassion, and an unfiltered honesty that resonates deeply with readers.

Through Cajun Mutt Press, James D. Casey IV has built an important platform for emerging and alternative voices in literature, offering space for poets and writers to reach wider audiences. Beyond poetry, his contributions as a journalist and artist highlight his restless creativity and visionary spirit—making him not just a writer, but a cultural force and trailblazer.Today we will read some of his poems.

THEY LIVE

disorder for the sake of disorder
stream-of-consciousness surprise
allusion to a species with amnesia

the truth will set you free
but there is no truth
anymore

glowing squares soothe souls
primatives with techno-blues

sticks and stones and
shit smeared monoliths
world outside on fire

plugged into our machines
seeking tell-a-vision lullabies

keeping us fast asleep
eyes wide open
mind closed

until sliding on the shades

Gonzo Bound

not in traffic
part of it
slow steamroll

through rocky walls

twenty-minute miles
should've gone
the other way

but, it's too late

no turning back now
time to shed skin
don the mask

hope for the best

glanced at my phone
lost an hour in an instant
over an invisible line

time travel is wild

Main Character

dove of peace in pieces
stirring the pot
on a southbound train

never follow the crowd

decisions made upon
ashes and history
time measured
bridges burned

mental health magic child
trouble in his busted bones

spitting image memory
state of grace dream
perpetually lost
found again

some act a role
others play a part
all running scenes

the show must go on

Sometimes Forever

deep pain
is often a direct result of
deep happiness

worst heartache
comes from love lost
be it person place or thing
taking pieces of us with them

can't touch a memory yet
can live in one for a while
eyes closed tightly enough

The Straight Story

closed doors kicked open
stepping stone hydromancy
should've seen it coming

off in the distance
standing my ground

copper antenna
energized garden
life grows again

and your rules do not apply

Periorbital Hematoma by Fortune's Hand

god and the devil play the same role
on a black & white tell-a-vision
glowing deep in the mind of a child

—down in New Orleans

curses, invocations
of the American Dream
in prayer

forsaken song's reward
gifted to loss of self

jaded memory, such as she

one job done well
hot on the trail
new endings

rise

face-to-face
black eye in the sky
severed right hand, left hook

nowhere on the road
to somewhere