World Gone Zoom: Notes from the American Epicenter

Acclaimed essayist and musician, David Belmont takes us on a poetic journey through life under lockdown in New York City during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and the few months following, replete with political commentary, philosophical musings and musical references.



"World Gone Zoom is a collection of true tales about living in New York City during the time it acquired the name 'epicenter'... and comes with a soundtrack. Listen to it. Glisten with it. Someday it will be history. We hope." ~Gary Phillips, Poet Laureate, Carrboro, North Carolina

 

"The subject at hand is dark and heavy but David's writing, filled with sensitivity, is somehow light and refreshingly witty. I found my eyes dancing down the page..." ~Liz Carlson, founder, Common Point Acupuncture

 

"World Gone Zoom performs the pandemic with a musicality that reverberates with both rock and jazz." ~Don Rubin, Professor Emeritus, University of Georgia

 

"With heart aflame and the eyes of a hawk, musician and writer David Belmont swoops-masked-through New York City in pandemic lockdown, picking up strands of hope, fear and wry humor..." ~Nan K. Chase, author, Lost Restaurants of Asheville



"World Gone Zoom expresses thoughts/feelings/reflections that we all may have but gives them the light of day with both poetic dexterity and musical sensibility making it a true gift to read." ~Cathy Salit, author, Performance Breakthrough

 

"What follows pause? Play? Fast forward? Rewind? In Belmont's poetry-all of the above." ~Christine Helm, faculty, East Side Institute