Percy Shelley once wrote, ”Poetry is the very image of life, expressed in its eternal truth”.

It is that essence of life, conveyed in a collection of words on a page, that stirs our souls and breaks now walls. Somehow, poetry ignites the hearts of readers, connects us to each other and to the world around us, poses questions, and strengthens resolves. And as you look to the new year, and whatever it may hold, we hope you will take the time to grab a cup of something warm and  consider this list of upcoming poetry and prose.

The Music Was Just Getting Good by Alica Cook (1/9)

The Music Was Just Getting Good is the raw yet inspiring final installment in Alica Cook’s mixtape collection of poetry. In her signature style of poetry and prose, Alicia paints honest portraits of mental health. Each track (poem) is accompanied by a song and as you progress through the book  the theme is clear: the road to recovery is never completely smooth but hope is found even in the gravel

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Besaydoo by Yalie Saweda Kamara (1/9)

Besaydoo is a tapestry of history, longing, and discovery. In this poetry collection, Kamara draws on her identity as a daughter and Sierra Leonian living in the United States to weave past, present, and future together into an inspiring ode to the journey of life.

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A Sweeter Song: Catharsis: A Poetry Collection by Martina McGowan (1/30)

Dr. Martina McGowan reflects on the experiences of marginalized groups in America. A sweeter song is an invitation to see the world through different eyes, to consider the human plight, and to celebrate what makes us different.

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O Body by Dan “Sully” Sullivan (2/6)

Dan Sullivan’s latest collection O Body is a deeply introspective consideration of self. Covering topics of acceptance, fatherhood, and self-love. Sullivan considers life in the male body, its implications, privilege, and misconceptions

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Modern Poetry by Diane Seuss (3/5)

Both ode and rebuke, Modern Poetry challenges the norms of traditional poetry and poses questions about artistic relevancy and meaning. It is romantic, intrepid, and honest prooving that poetry doesn’t have to fit a traditional mold to have an impact.

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The Blue Mimes by Sara Daniele Rivera (4/2)

In Rivera’s debut poetry collection, she explores topics of grief and resolve in the lives of individuals and the nation. Rivera takes an unflinching view of the grieving process that prompts the reader to personal reflection while simultaneously praising the resilience of the human race to keep moving forward, towards hope, by any means necessary.

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You Are Here by Edited and Introduced by Ada Limón (4/2)

You Are Here is Ada Limón’s signature project as the nation’s Poet Laureate. Limón has brought together some of the most accomplished modern American poets to create this collection that reflects the natural poetry in nature and our relationship to the land we inhabit.

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Bluff: Poems by Danez Smith (8/20)

Written during the pandemic amidst political and civil unrest and reckoning, Bluff offers social commentary and questioning.  Danez Smith witnessed chaos and injustice firsthand hand and his new poetry collection is both elegy and manifesto reflecting the confusion and optimism of a generation striving for more.

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