Aracelis Girmay

Girmay's poems are varied and aware, wandering into different territories and balancing smoothly between language-play and observation. In many of them, there's such power that a reader is hard-pressed to not stop, consider, and reread the same poem once again--not because of a lack of clarity, but because there's a drive to re-experience it, and gain some more drops of meaning and emotion. It's true that not every poem lives up to this description--a few are oversoaked in description or show more expansion--but most of the poems here will be well worth the time for poetry lovers who want their poetry to come with an awareness of the world, and not only self-awareness.

All told, I truly enjoyed this one, and have to recommend it on to anyone who enjoys dipping into contemporary poetry; it's a lovely, thoughtful read, with much to appreciate and consider. show less

A collection that builds through itself a context for both grief and joy, exceptional and sometimes difficult. As a conversation with history and the present, it takes full attention. Teeth was easier for me to connect to by individual poem, but part II of this work as a witnessing kind of knocked the wind out of me and deserves further thought.

Truly stunning. The truth and creativity and fierceness are suffused with such compassion and joy. This is the closest to sentimental poetry I could ever get. I adored Arroz Poetica, Ode to the Watermelon, Consider the Hands that Write this Letter, Santa Ana of Grocery Carts... honestly and several more.

Graceful…. Englightening….Profound
These are the words that came to mind when I finished this dazzling poetry collection whose poems which at times were intimately personal and other times outraged at injustices in the world.
I was immersed in this collection as these poems whispered in my ear, touched my heart, and soothed my spirit.

Words like these had me reflecting on the deeper meaning of the written thoughts:

“if there were angels, they would be flies
who hover over our show more privacies,
kissing us with their mouths
that have kissed other wounds.” show less