Poetry Month is almost over. Usually, at this point I’d have a list of what I’ve read leading up to April so far, with a spread of my favorite quotes and phrases. But my heart has decided I need a surplus of poetry *this year* specifically and so, the pile is ever-growing. So yes, there’s a list, one I hope to clear by the end of summer at the earliest.
Let’s start with the two I’ve read so far: “a body more tolerable” and “How to Be a Good Savage and Other Poems.”
jaye simpson “a body more tolerable” (2024)
A book that I saw while browsing through the Black Walnut Books pages for a specific title I couldn’t remember the name of when I was successfully distracted by this one.
These poems are more personal as it’s written from a singular point of view. There is a certain kind of yearning in the trans journey and frustration of dreamt possibilities that may or may not come to fruition. The rigid societal expectations force upon the poet, and the destruction of the old and recreation of the true self, even if it leaves a vulnerability for others to try and manipulate. It’s an experience tangled in desire and grief and a hope often gained from a messy and insistent life.
Mikeas Sánchez “How to Be a Good Savage and Other Poems” (2024)
Tells the tale of the Zoque people of southern Mexico; of gods, ancestors and the bits of the divine that exist within the culture bearers despite the struggles against colonialism. With this particular focus on the dancers, healers and musicians, and their roles within the Zoque community, Sánchez paints a picture both fantastical and sacred. A story of a people proud of their heritage and traditions despite the heavy-handedness of Christianity trying to erase it.
But what about the books I haven’t read yet? I’ve settled on a modest 6 books to start, consisting of books I already own and ones I’m hoping will become favorites to add to the shelf.
Kyle Tran Myhre “Not a Lot of Reasons to Sing, but Enough” (2022)
Two poets wander through space villages, a moon colony full of exiled rebels; and encounter robots and storytellers alike. A book that explores the roles that artists play in resisting authoritarianism in a sci-fi setting?
How could I pass this up? This title has been on my shelf for a while now. Considering the state of the country right now, I think this will be the perfect read for the year.
Melania Luisa Marte “Plantains and Our Becoming” (2023)
Moving from New York to Texas to the Dominican Republic and Haiti, Marte looks at the impact of colonialism and the racism that follows. But she also explores ancestral knowledge, self-love and generational trauma across the Black diaspora to break down stereotypes while envisioning legacies of joy rather than pain, and celebrating who you are.
Faylita Hicks “Hoodwitch” (2019)
A rare cover buy, one that I’m happy to have looked into. Hicks’ debut collection tells the story of Black women, nonbinary people, and even Hicks herself, reclaim their power back from those who turn their bodies against them. To become beings capable of not only resilience and perseverance but of seeking justice in the face violence against them.
Omotara James “Song of My Softening” (2024)
In this collection, James explores the relationship the world and nation has with Black bodies and Black queerness. I’m curious to see how she expresses her thoughts on a topic that the world seems insistent on commenting on, especially when that expression leans towards softness.
Audre Lorde “The Black Unicorn” (1978)
An oldie but a goodie among the poetically inclined, I’ll be diving into some of Audre Lorde works, starting with “The Black Unicorn.” I’d considered “Sister Outsider” first but I already have a backlog of essays and writings I want to clear out before adding more. That said, if I make good progress on my reading, I’ll definitely add it to the queue.
Amber McBride “The Leaving Room” (2025)
Having read Thick with Trouble, McBride was a name I recognized when I saw the announcement for “The Leaving Room”, a novel-in-verse about a girl in between life and death. And the story happens over the span of four minutes. How could I not be obsessed with the very idea?
I’m noticing some common themes here….
Anyway, we’ve reached the end of my future reading plans. Have you read any of the books listed? Or are they new to you? Either way, when Poetry Month reaches its end in a few days, I hope you’ll continue to read poetry books year round.
And hey, if you do get a bit of reading in and decide you want to try your hand at poetry yourself but aren’t sure where to start, the good folks over at Fiyah Lit Mag have been posting prompts each day on their socials to get your creative wheels turning. Mine certainly have.
Until the next post,
.chel
Reading Rites 