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MWSA Review
Patrick J. Hughes is a sharp, unsentimental observer of life at sea. Many of the poems are rooted in detachment cycles, storm evacuations, carrier politics, and the absurdities of military routine. Poems like “Storm Prep,” “Det Life,” “Generations of Fire,” and “Tiger Guide with No Tiger” capture the texture of Navy life with insider authenticity: mildew in the barracks, mystery meat, long hours, bad coffee, and leadership theatrics. There is dry humor, controlled frustration, and an unvarnished honesty that feels genuine. The darker poems, which explore depression, grief, and emotional isolation, reveal a different voice, one that is deeply personal. Many of these poems are filled with vivid fresh lines that will resonate across many situations. In "Sitting in the Dark," Hughes pens "Trying to drown out the pain with music / The music is helping / It's making it worse."
Hughes uses poetic forms, both narrative and rhyming, with great skill. However, if you are looking for poetry evocative of a recruiting poster, this is not that book. Hughes makes no attempt to romanticize service. Instead, this collection offers a no-holds-barred account of one sailor’s view of Navy life, its monotony, politics, quiet endurance, and personal cost. That honesty will resonate with many readers, particularly those who have served.
Review by John Cathcart
Author's Synopsis
From the psych ward to flight deck, from whispered goodbyes to quiet strength, I Remember You is a raw and unflinching book of poetry and prose by Navy veteran Patrick J. Hughes. Seamed from the unvarnished material of trauma, healing, fatherhood, friendship, and mental illness, these poems will find an echo within anyone who's ever stood in a doorway and wondered how to move forward.
With a raw honesty and with unexpected graciousness, Hughes charts life after conflict, the unseen scars of depression and PTSD, and the lifelines of salvation that bind us when we are breaking. This is a debut poetry collection as testament to survival—not a destination, but an everyday act of bravery.
Whether you’ve served, loved someone who has, or simply struggled in silence, these pages hold space for your story, too. If you’ve ever needed to feel less alone, this book remembers you.
Format(s) for review: Paper or Kindle
Review genre: Poetry—Poetry Book
Pages/Word count: 121 / 14,705