About Time – David Duchovny
2025 Akashic Books
Poetry, acting, and music have been artistically entwined for centuries, often woven together by the same creatives.
David Duchovny is best-known as a film and television actor – – yes, that guy – – but he’s also made achievements as a novelist, a solo musician, and now with his 2025 collection, “About Time,” as a poet.
Let’s give the doubters a moment to clear out. . .
OK. . .
For those of you still here: This is a remarkable book.
The Introduction alone, “A Poetic Autobiography,” is worth the price of admission. It opens with: “I know what you’re thinking: Just what the world needs now–a bunch of poems from an actor.” His honest, erudite, self-conscious explanation – almost justification – of what’s to follow is charming, disarming, smart, and elegant. He speaks with authority and expertise on poetry’s history and its vague definitions, even touching upon the differences between lyrics and poems. Duchovny is fully qualified to ponder the latter, since he’s worked at both. The intro is powerful enough to nullify any skeptic – – even Agent Scully.
But what about the poems themselves?
A quick qualifier: I’m not a poet. I appreciate the art form; I have favorite poets from the classical and modern eras… I have written poetry and song lyrics, but I’ve mainly been published as a journalist and a fiction author, only once for a poem. I am passionate about beautiful prose and turns of phrase. I once loved a poet – – she has published books and has hung around with the U.S. Poet Laureate – – but that’s where my expertise ends. If you still find me trustworthy, then let’s get to it.
Duchovny writes with an awestruck reverence for the magic of words and a dedication to the craft. Oftentimes, there’s tremendous vulnerability, but just as frequently, the scenes and concepts are presented with a cool detachment. The light SoCal vibe that comes through doesn’t radiate Hollywood, Beverly Hills, coastlines, theme parks, or highways; I get more of a vague sense of upper class Los Angeles County suburbs.
“About Time” is relevant to Support Life And Music for a number of reasons. The obvious being that David Duchovny is a renowned musician (not just the “Californication” guy). There are lessons on the surface about multi-disciplines, wordplay, determination, and perseverance. Wading deeper, some of the poems thematically touch on mortality, driving, family, parenthood, humanity and nature, and processing the trappings of the modern world. Some are quick jokes, but others are deeper explorations.
Duchovny reveals himself to be a deep thinker with true talent for sculpting the clay of words. Reading this will flood your mind with questions, ideas, and inspirations. (Now I want to seek out his novels. . .)
Put preconceived notions aside and have a look at “About Time.”
Leave a Reply