Sean Thomas Dougherty, Death Prefers the Minor Keys

In his 20th book, Sean Thomas Dougherty brings us a memoir-like prose sequence reflecting on disability, chronic illness, addiction, survival, love, and parenthood. Death Prefers the Minor Keys is, most of all, a love letter to Dougherty’s wife and a chronicle of her courage and complicity in the face of long-term illness and addiction. Ultimately, we see in this collection how the antidote to despair can reside in daily acts of caring for other human beings.

“In Sean Thomas Dougherty’s deft prose poems, sentence by sentence the speaker keeps vigil, watching over this fragile world. Over hospital intercoms we hear emphatic music urging those within earshot to listen and know that there are songs playing throughout the night. This is an exquisite collection.” —Oliver de la Paz

Dougherty’s  awards include a Fulbright Lectureship to the Balkans and an appearance in Best American Poetry. Known for his dynamic readings, he has performed at hundreds of venues, universities, and festivals. He lives in Erie, PA. For more information about Sean Thomas Dougherty, visit seanthomasdoughertyp.fatcow.com.

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