The latest poetry releases have been making waves with their thought-provoking themes and masterful language. Namanlagh by Tom Paulin, the 10th collection from a poet who has been open about his struggles with depression, is a standout. Gone are the linguistic fireworks of previous works; instead, we find straightforward, unadorned poetry that packs a powerful punch. Paulin's reflections on Northern Irish history and politics take on a new level of bite, while moments of quiet introspection offer a glimpse into his personal journey.
Sarah Howe's Foretokens is another compelling collection, which reaffirms her sharp intellect and ability to layer telling detail. The poet tackles some big subjects – genetics, time's relativity, and becoming a parent – with an anger that brings a welcome freshness to her investigations. Howe's investigations are laced with urgency, as she seeks to uncover the truth about her own family history in Hong Kong.
Joelle Taylor's Maryville takes us on a sweeping journey through lesbian culture and LGBTQ+ rights over 50 years. The book is presented as a television series, guiding the reader through urgent and memorable language that never loses its impact. Taylor has a tenderness for her subjects, which shines through even in the face of liberation's costs.
Nikita Gill's Hekate is a propulsive retelling of the life of the Greek goddess, set against a backdrop of mythology and witchcraft. While the needs of exposition sometimes contort the poetry into flatness, Gill's skills allow for moments of insight to surface, like in her poignant poem 'Girlhood'. It's a powerful exploration that reminds us of the shifting sands of time.
Lastly, Phoebe Giannisi's Goatsong, a compilation of three recent books, showcases a rigorously intellectual style with a focus on physicality. While its oddity and opacity may not be to everyone's taste, it's worth persisting with for its depth and importance. Its messages, though complex, say something essential about the human condition – "I say take me / in your embrace / in your violence / and gently / let me go".
These poets are pushing the boundaries of language, exploring themes that need to be addressed, and creating work that lingers long after we finish reading.
Sarah Howe's Foretokens is another compelling collection, which reaffirms her sharp intellect and ability to layer telling detail. The poet tackles some big subjects – genetics, time's relativity, and becoming a parent – with an anger that brings a welcome freshness to her investigations. Howe's investigations are laced with urgency, as she seeks to uncover the truth about her own family history in Hong Kong.
Joelle Taylor's Maryville takes us on a sweeping journey through lesbian culture and LGBTQ+ rights over 50 years. The book is presented as a television series, guiding the reader through urgent and memorable language that never loses its impact. Taylor has a tenderness for her subjects, which shines through even in the face of liberation's costs.
Nikita Gill's Hekate is a propulsive retelling of the life of the Greek goddess, set against a backdrop of mythology and witchcraft. While the needs of exposition sometimes contort the poetry into flatness, Gill's skills allow for moments of insight to surface, like in her poignant poem 'Girlhood'. It's a powerful exploration that reminds us of the shifting sands of time.
Lastly, Phoebe Giannisi's Goatsong, a compilation of three recent books, showcases a rigorously intellectual style with a focus on physicality. While its oddity and opacity may not be to everyone's taste, it's worth persisting with for its depth and importance. Its messages, though complex, say something essential about the human condition – "I say take me / in your embrace / in your violence / and gently / let me go".
These poets are pushing the boundaries of language, exploring themes that need to be addressed, and creating work that lingers long after we finish reading.
! These writers are really taking it up a notch with their thought-provoking stuff. I mean, Tom Paulin's latest collection is all about being real about his struggles, and it's so inspiring to see him just be honest about his emotions. And Sarah Howe's got some serious edge going on - tackling big topics like family history and genetics? Yeah, she's not afraid to get messy 
. Joelle Taylor's book on lesbian culture is also super impactful, it's amazing how she balances the tough stuff with tenderness 
. Nikita Gill's take on Hekate is wild and fascinating, I love how she weaves mythology into her poetry 
. And Phoebe Giannisi's book is like... well, it's not always easy to get through, but trust me, it's worth it 
. Overall, these poets are killing the game with their fresh perspectives and bold voices 
These latest poetry releases are giving me LIFE!!! 
I'm absolutely loving the direction Tom Paulin is taking with his new collection - it's like he's stripped away all the fancy language and gotten straight to the point. And Sarah Howe's Foretokens? Wow, she's on FIRE 
! Her ability to tackle tough subjects like genetics and parenting is so inspiring. And can we talk about Joelle Taylor's Maryville? 
That book is a MASTERPIECE! 
I love how Nikita Gill's Hekate explores the complexities of Greek mythology, and Phoebe Giannisi's Goatsong... honestly, it's like she's speaking straight to my soul 
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and sarah howe's foretokens is just so anger-fueled and necessary right now 
. Tom Paulin's Namanlagh is giving me all the feels, you know? His honesty about his struggles is so refreshing, and how he weaves it into these powerful poems... 
. Nikita Gill's Hekate is also fascinating, even if it gets a bit lost in exposition sometimes 
. But overall, these poets are doing some amazing work that's making me think and feel in ways I haven't before 
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and nikita gill's hekate is like a wild ride through ancient mythology 
phoebe giannisi's goatsong might be weird but its so important 
. And Phoebe Giannisi's Goatsong is like... have you ever felt seen by someone who speaks your language? It's like she's speaking directly to your soul 
. These poets are making waves and I am HERE. FOR. IT 
. And Sarah Howe's Foretokens is like, whoa, she's got this fire in her that's just infectious 
. These poets are like beacons of hope, shining a light on the struggles we face and the beauty in them too 
. Joelle Taylor's Maryville is like a masterclass in storytelling - you feel like you're right there with her, witnessing the highs and lows of the LGBTQ+ struggle 
), but trust me, it's worth the effort. And Phoebe Giannisi... wow, she's like a poet-scholar hybrid - all that physicality and intellectual rigor is just so fascinating 
. Namanlagh by Tom Paulin just sounds like a bunch of whiny poetry about depression, how original 
. I mean who writes poetry about physicality and violence? what a buzzkill 
. Overall just more overhyped poetry from ppl trying 2 sound smart 
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. I mean, it's not just about the words on the page, it's about what they're saying – and these poets are tackling some heavy stuff 
. And Sarah Howe's poems are like a breath of fresh air, you know? Her anger and urgency really shine through. It's amazing to see how each poet brings their own unique voice to the table 
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. Can't wait to dive into Phoebe Giannisi's Goatsong next - her writing sounds like a real mind-bender 
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. I also need to give a shoutout to Joelle Taylor's Maryville, that book is like a masterclass in storytelling 
. And Phoebe Giannisi's Goatsong... wow, it's not for everyone, but if you're willing to dive in, it's like getting a glimpse into some really deep human truths 
. And can we talk about Joelle Taylor's Maryville?! 
It's like a history lesson, but not boring at all 
Nikita Gill's Hekate is fascinating 
Phoebe Giannisi's Goatsong might be weird, but in the best way possible 
. These poets are pushing boundaries & creating work that makes us think... what more can we ask for?! 
. And can we talk about Joelle Taylor's Maryville for a sec? 
. I'm also feeling Nikita Gill's Hekate – the propulsive energy is infectious! 
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