Blackbird ArchiveKM4
An introduction to a ten-part illustrated poem sequence pairing Tom Sleigh's poems with Michael Hafftka's paintings.
The first section of a war poem sequence set at a Mogadishu checkpoint, evoking many languages and unspeakable violence.
Poetry“KM4” Poems & Drawings by Tom Sleigh and Michael HafftkaThe final section of a war poem sequence contemplating a bomber's death and the aftermath of a suicide attack.
Poetry“KM4” Poems & Drawings by Tom Sleigh and Michael HafftkaA section of a war poem sequence describing a concert at a villa amid the imagery of desert conflict.
Poetry“KM4” Poems & Drawings by Tom Sleigh and Michael HafftkaA section of a war poem sequence in which a carved figure and an AK-47 stand in for oracular, mythic violence.
Poetry“KM4” Poems & Drawings by Tom Sleigh and Michael HafftkaA section of a war poem sequence reflecting on a young suicide bomber who once played games with other youths.
Poetry“KM4” Poems & Drawings by Tom Sleigh and Michael HafftkaA section of a war poem sequence questioning what role a body and identity play amid ongoing conflict.
Poetry“KM4” Poems & Drawings by Tom Sleigh and Michael HafftkaA section of a war poem sequence describing soldiers at a roundabout amid vivid, unsettling natural imagery.
Poetry“KM4” Poems & Drawings by Tom Sleigh and Michael HafftkaA section of a war poem sequence juxtaposing martyrdom rhetoric with a boy's love of rap music.
Poetry“KM4” Poems & Drawings by Tom Sleigh and Michael HafftkaA section of a war poem sequence describing an oddly courtly, gentle scene among soldiers at rest.
Poetry“KM4” Poems & Drawings by Tom Sleigh and Michael HafftkaA section of a war poem sequence imagining the war dead reuniting in an underworld bar.
PoetryA Different Kind of TellingAn artist's statement explaining the paintings created in response to Tom Sleigh's war poem sequence 'KM4.'