Jill Bialosky's latest work, Mock Heart: New & Selected Poems, published by Knopf in 2026, spans her career and includes 23 new poems alongside selections from her five previous poetry collections: The End of Desire (1999), Subterranean (2001), Intruder (2008), The Players (2015), and Asylum: A Personal, Historical, Natural Inquiry in 103 Lyric Sections (2020). In the author’s note, Bialosky encapsulates the essence of creativity by stating that a poem is never finished, only abandoned, suggesting that writing is a continuous process.
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The collection presents a reverse chronological order, allowing readers to witness the evolution of her poetic voice while maintaining a clear connection to recurring themes of memory and longing. In the poem “Sonnet for the Safe Kept Object,” Bialosky evokes a sense of fragility and the complexities of existence, hinting at the deeper meanings behind seemingly simple experiences.
Bialosky, who is also an executive editor at W. W. Norton, has produced a diverse portfolio that includes novels and memoirs. In an interview, she discussed her approach to the collection, highlighting the humbling experience of revisiting her earlier works and the deliberate choice to allow them to stand independently, even as her writing evolves.
She noted that her first editor, Harry Ford, had a significant impact on her career, particularly because he recognized the authenticity in her debut book. Over the years, she has built a trusting relationship with her editors, which fosters collaboration and excitement about new work. Bialosky acknowledged that her newer poems exhibit a sense of freedom and playfulness, reflecting her growth as a poet.
Much of her writing is informed by personal experience, including family dynamics and the impact of societal events. The transition from her earlier work to her latest also reflects a shift in her focus, from personal exploration to broader themes such as survival and the natural world, particularly in the context of contemporary challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and rising antisemitism.
Bialosky is aware of the connections between her poetry and prose, recognizing that narrative tension exists in both forms. She emphasized the importance of creating a vivid landscape for characters in her prose and the same principle applies to her poetry, where imagery and rhythm intertwine to create a cohesive experience.
In conclusion, Bialosky’s Mock Heart serves as a reflection of her journey as a poet, revealing the ongoing dialogue between her past and present selves. The collection not only showcases her growth but also her enduring engagement with the complexities of life and language.