Rik Emmett’s second collection originated during the dark limbo of COVID-19: 2021–22. Five parts go from autofictional narration to observations on the modern world, moving inside out, then outside in. Eventually, Leaning Into It looks beyond.

Leaning Into … what? The prevailing chaos of narcissistic, egotistical, patrimonial power-mongering lends these poems renewed vitality, as the author’s frustration and disappointment with current undemocratic global politics play out.

How much leaning gets us a tiny bit closer to wisdom? Emmett favors the balatrones, jesters, fools, poets, comedians, and atheists in his social media feeds. “Power” ignores the balanced values of a sense of humor and a good-natured humility — but this poetry takes on the world as it is, ultimately leaning into hope.