September sees a notable array of new poetry collections from various talented poets. Among these releases are Sherwin Bitsui’s *The Next Sky* (Copper Canyon), Cynthia Cruz’s *Twilight* (Four Way Books), Erica Meitner’s *Assembled Audience* (Milkweed), Don Mee Choi’s *Freely Frayed* (Wave Books), Joanna Klink’s *Days and Chances* (Penguin), Kiki Petrosino’s *Perfect Italian* (Sarabande), and Brenda Hillman’s *Still House in the Desert* (Wesleyan).
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This month’s offerings suggest a collective resurgence of poets seeking expression in the post-pandemic landscape, characterized by poems rich in imagery and emotional depth.
Aldo Amparán’s *The House Has Teeth* (Alice James Books) navigates themes of trauma and reclamation, particularly in “Self-Portrait of the Stolen Body.” Amparán's work is marked by the exploration of haunting memories and social issues, illustrated in poems that resonate with raw emotion and reflection on personal and cultural histories.
Kathy Fagan’s *The Unbecoming* (Norton) features a compelling opening sequence, “Listening to Others,” where the challenges and insights of womanhood are deftly explored. Fagan addresses personal grief and societal perceptions, revealing a depth of connection and introspection that pervades her work, marking a significant step in her poetic career.
Leslie McIntosh’s debut *within-group variance* (Changes) confronts questions of identity and social inequities through perceptive language. Within her poems, McIntosh connects personal experiences to larger systemic issues, inviting readers to reflect on their own biases and understandings of difference.
In *Staying Still* (Tin House), Hieu Minh Nguyen probes the complexities of identity and belonging through a lens of vulnerability and humor. The collection allows the speaker to navigate various life experiences, revealing personal truths that resonate with broader themes of acceptance and self-discovery.
Emily Skaja’s *Black Lake* delves into the painful realities of infertility and loss, conveyed with a mix of poignant humor and striking honesty. Skaja's portrayal of grief is both raw and reflective, making her exploration of miscarriage particularly powerful.
Paisley Rekdal’s *Heritance* (Copper Canyon) returns to lyrical introspection, confronting racial histories and personal narratives. Rekdal’s work examines the intersections of identity and legacy, crafting vivid imagery that invites readers into her thought process.
Marcus Wicker’s *Dear Mothership* (Ecco) incorporates elements of Afrofuturism as it addresses themes of identity and societal issues. Wicker’s collection is infused with wit and musicality, navigating mid-life reflections amid the complexities of modern existence and cultural introspection.
Overall, the September releases present a diverse array of voices and themes, each contributing to the rich tapestry of contemporary poetry.