The Colour of Extinction by SC Flynn review – into the darkness… or the light-

In a recent interview, Dublin-based poet SC Flynn spoke passionately about their debut collection, “The Colour of Extinction”. The poems within burst with raw emotion, vibrantly oscillating between despair and hope. Flynn’s work serves as a poignant call to action, one that is steeped in the urgency of ecological concerns.

When asked about the inspiration behind their innovative approach, Flynn explained how they were influenced by a common therapeutic technique where clients associate colors with their thoughts. “In the context of ecology,” Flynn reflected, “I started to wonder what images of the future we can conjure. Are we navigating toward darkness or moving into the light?”

The collection opens with a stark realism that many may find hard to digest. Describing the future as a “black cup of loneliness,” Flynn paints vivid images of environmental devastation—melting ice caps, disappearing bees, and a looming apocalypse. Through imagery that evokes memories of bushfires in their Australian hometown, the poet captures a world engulfed in chaos. Yet, Flynn doesn’t dwell solely in bleakness; there’s an underlying message that suggests the possibility of renewal and hope.

In “The Oxygen Makers,” the poet introduces stromatolites, Earth’s oldest fossils, whose ancient wisdom reminds us that “all we need is time.” Flynn’s work challenges readers to consider whether we truly have time for change or if we must ignite a more imaginative vision of our future. “Perhaps it’s imperative to cultivate a richer imagination,” Flynn suggests.

While Flynn’s poems convey prophetic warnings, they shun self-righteousness. Their vivid language is visceral, engaging the senses and inviting readers to sit up and pay attention. One poem elevates us to 15,000 meters above time, while another evokes the deeply evocative image of trees “boiling with birds.” Flynn’s striking metaphors shatter defeatist narratives about a dying planet, suggesting that while the future is fragile, it’s not as simple as black and white.

“We often think of the future as linear,” Flynn said, referring to one of their pieces, “Salt Lake.” “Sometimes it glides smoothly ahead, and at other times, it reveals a treacherous landscape—like cracked earth beneath our feet and trees imprisoned in perpetual winter.”

Flynn’s poetic energy pulsates with urgency, pushing against the confines of punctuation and conventional structure. The imagery of trees as prisoners struck a deep chord with me, highlighting their plight in a polluted environment. In their poem “Hope,” Flynn contrasts this with endangered whales communicating through their fin slaps, creating a haunting symphony of ecological urgency.

Throughout the collection, Flynn acknowledges the psychological barriers that often hinder meaningful engagement with climate issues. They recognize the struggle to take action in the face of such overwhelming threats. While some moments flirt with romanticism—such as equating the sound of grinding ice to a union of the continent—Flynn’s book remains a profound and genuine wake-up call.

“The climate crisis is as much an emotional crisis,” Flynn asserted, emphasizing the value of imagination in sparking hope. “Through color therapy, we begin to address these feelings,” they added, noting how their writing seeks to stoke the fires of hope amidst despair.

“The Colour of Extinction” is published by Renard Press and invites readers to grapple with both the stark realities and the potential for renewal in a rapidly changing world.