This particular volume of poetry is pulled from the pages of Rope & Poetry, a large format (8.5” x 11”), photography book showcasing the Shibari art produced by Erik Adamah (aka Matthew Hayos) a non-binary erotic artist and shibari rope photographer. Copies of this photography book can be procured through the website www.eriklikered.com

In Japanese, “Shibari” simply means “to tie”. The contemporary meaning of Shibari describes an ancient Japanese artistic form of bondage also known as The Art of Rope Bind and Release. Shibari is undoubtedly an experiential art. Immersing into a deep state of physical and mental submission can be a very empowering experience, and will inspire intense mental, physical and spiritual release. During a rope session an individual will be led through a somatic journey into and through the art of BDSM and sensory activation and play.

In Erik Likes Red, Matthew Hayos examines the relationship between the human form and the rope. This writer’s journey takes us on an exploration through the vulnerability, tension and inevitable transformation that occurs through the Art of Bind & Release. Much like the rope itself, the lyrical prose woven into and through this book explores the abstracts of human nature and all its erotic contradiction.

In Erik Likes Red, Matthew Hayos more deeply solidifies his surrealist style of poetry in an epic collection of lyrical surrealism, that could also be classified as Poetic Mysticism, Poetic Shamanism, or even the adventurous Absurdist Poetry and Psychedelic Prose. Regardless, The Artist/Poet invites their reader to explore the more somatic nature of his work—Asking one’s self less what it all might mean and more how does the art and poetry make us feel?—How do the syllables sensate and vibrate when being spoken. Weaving a harmonic dance of metaphor, simile, and analogy the Artist/Poet takes us, the reader on an exploration through ancient to modern human culture and civilization and the deeply rooted memetic language subconsciously operating in the base code of all human experience.