In "Thornbacks," a poem by Jocelyn Ulevicus from her upcoming poetry debut, 'The Difference Between Breathing and Swallowing,' the speaker grapples with the tension of ageing and the societal pressures placed on women. A confession from a woman in their sober group about feeling invisible sparks a complex response within the speaker. They reflect on the struggle to stay relevant as their bodies change, even without giving birth or sacrificing their identity. The poem evokes a vivid image of the speaker's mother, standing defiantly on a green hill, her veil caught in the wind, hinting at a deeper understanding. "Thornbacks" prompts contemplation of identity, visibility, and the quest for self-realization amidst societal expectations.
Read MoreDiscover the poetic journey of self-expression and the desire for recognition in "Don't Forget Me" by Salem Paige. With each stroke of my pen, I etch a part of myself onto the page, releasing a ghostly presence onto the digital highway. I yearn for my name to carry significance, envisioning it imprinted in every mind. They whisper, "Don't forget me," emphasizing the potential power of a single line, a solitary work, or a profound poem—a potential masterpiece that conceals the countless attempts preceding it.
Read MoreKate MacAlister's forthcoming poetry book, 'Burn it all Down, then Kiss Me,' releasing in August, features this powerful poem. It sets ablaze a defiant rebellion against the patriarchy, urging the cutting of ties and the fiery destruction of oppressive forces. With words that evoke strength, unity, and the remembrance of revolutionary sisters, the poem embraces a fierce determination to dismantle and rebuild. It speaks of interconnectedness, raising fists and holding space for one another under the watchful bleeding moon.
Read MoreZara Al-Noah's poem, titled "Matchbox Hopes," is a captivating piece from her debut poetry book, 'Flooding a Matchbox.' Within its verses, the poem illuminates the experiences of being stripped of dignity and identity, with puppet-like hands rummaging through suitcases and attempting to bleach a father's heart. Yet, amidst the turmoil, the speaker clings to a matchbox car, a symbol of gathered hopes that they cautiously exhale under the roofs of their oppressors. And in this intimate setting, the speaker proudly parades their collectable hopes, passing them on to their brothers and sisters, symbolizing a steadfast commitment to a brighter future.
Read MoreFaye Alexandra Rose presents a compelling poem titled "Womb of the State," which serves as a powerful piece from her forthcoming poetry collection, 'Wild Women.' The poem delves into the dehumanization that occurs when individuals resort to desperate measures, using coat hangers to dig out their own souls. It explores the deep-rooted fear of others who hold power, symbolized by needles for hands, waiting to thread their bodies to regressive legislation.
Read MoreA hard rain falls,
turning sunlight
into a prismatic shower.
As time loses its axis,
every step
is imbued with history,
every hole in the glass
becomes a galaxy,
every widened pupil
a black hole—
echoing: