Leila Farjami, an Iranian-American poet, translator, and psychotherapist, is the author of the upcoming poetry collection Daughter of Salt, set to be released by Trio House Press in 2026. Farjami's accolades include a Pushcart Prize, the Iowa Review Award in Poetry, the Cincinnati Review's Schiff Award, and a PEN America Emerging Voices Fellowship. Her work is featured in publications such as Ploughshares, The Iowa Review, AGNI, and Copper Nickel, and she has contributed to anthologies by Guernica Editions and Sundress Publications. Farjami resides in Los Angeles and can be found online at leilafarjami.com.
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In her opening poem "Creation," Farjami begins with the lines "Become. Become. Blue mouths spoke me into existence." This poem, which introduces the title of her collection, was initially part of a series but evolved to stand alone as a representation of creation and metamorphosis, highlighting themes of generational wounds and growth.
Throughout Daughter of Salt, a sequence of poems titled "Daughter of Salt" explores magical realism and mythology, narrating a journey of becoming. Farjami notes that this series reflects an arc of healing and self-emancipation, tracing a journey from suffering to survival. Poems such as "The Shipwrecked" and "Dakhil" delve into matrilineal trauma, while others, like "The Escape," depict the daughter's act of self-compassion and resilience amidst dysfunction.
Farjami’s "Blue Mouths" series, which encapsulates themes of matrilineal grief, complements the collection, acting as a voice of witness that amplifies the narrator's experiences. She observes that having a witness can facilitate recovery in the aftermath of trauma.
Despite the exploration of complex emotions related to immigration and trauma, there is a prevailing sense of hope in the collection. Farjami’s background as a psychotherapist profoundly influences her work, reinforcing the notion that healing is possible. She believes that even a small glimmer of hope can rekindle motivation and commitment to healing, reflecting her belief in transformative energy.
In her concluding thoughts, Farjami expresses her desire for readers to find resonance and inspiration in Daughter of Salt, encouraging reflections on the impacts of patriarchy and the empowerment of marginalized voices. She hopes her poetry will provide a sense of support and connection, fostering a sense of community among those who have experienced similar struggles.
Kayla Torres, a freelance publicist and poet, has contributed to the promotion of writers and their works through various media campaigns. Her poetic pieces have been published on platforms like The Little Infinite, and she actively engages with literature on her social media.