The Definition of Empty

The withering wit O'Neill wields about political posturing is maybe the most satisfying part of his poetry. . . . Throughout, O'Neill provides revelatory flashes of his own imperfect humanity in the role of a public servant.'--Molly Boyle, Santa Fe Reporter

O'Neill is deft at quick characterization through dialogue and physical description, and he easily backs in and out of a narrative to observe and offer moments of perspective. There's something hopeful about transforming a career's worth of these difficult meetings into poetry.'--Jennifer Levin, Santa Fe New Mexican

There are no heroes, and more importantly no villains in these poems. These poems are people, just like the poet himself. His memory of them is celebratory, as though this book of poems is about all the things he's learned . . . from them. All the advice he might have given them . . . meant for him. How his life and theirs aren't as different as you'd think, given half the chance.'--Hakim Bellamy, Inaugural Poet Laureate of Albuquerque

Come, enter the 'spectacular present' found in The Definition of Empty, and see the harsh reality of our youth involved in the juvenile justice system. . . . Culled from his years of service with the New Mexico Juvenile Parole Board, O'Neill demonstrates to us that 'these have become my kids, their destiny is my / diagnosis & their reflection is an endless succession / of teachings.''--Katherine DiBella Seluja, author of Gather the Night: Poems

Bill O'Neill's poems are graceful, fluid, and revealing. They are powerful and tender in the same breath, but this ain't no sit-around, clap-your-hands, feel-good poetry. The Definition of Empty is holistically intoxicating, laced with acts of forgiveness and compassion, so much of what is needed in the world right now.'--Levi Romero, Inaugural Poet Laureate of New Mexico