Clint Smith – We see another school shooting

Performed at The Bell House in Brooklyn, NY

“I fear everything I cannot control, and know that I control nothing.”

Don’t miss this poem from Clint Smith, performing at The Bell House in Brooklyn, NY

Get Clint Smith’s book, Counting Descent.

Aparna – I Dream My Mother on Her Deathbed &

Performed at WOWPS 2023 in Baltimore, MD

“When I was born, I nearly killed her. When she had me, I almost died, and our two lives have been one slow suicide pact ever since.”

Don’t miss this poem from Aparna, performing at WOWPS 2023 in Baltimore, MD

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Usman Hameedi – Heirloom

Performed at Icehouse in Minneapolis, MN

“He is the maple that didn’t drip too far from the scarred family tree.”

Don’t miss this poem from Usman Hameedi, performing at Icehouse in Minneapolis, MN

Get Usman’s book, Staying Right Here.

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James Hartzer – Trans Boy’s Broken Toe

Performed at the Strike Theater in Minneapolis, MN

“You want me to be a good boyfriend, but you don’t think I’m a boy. You think I already know how to fuck you because I used to be you.”

Don’t miss this poem from James Hartzer, performing at the Strike Theater in Minneapolis, MN

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Steven Willis – A Scolding for the Brother, Dylann

Performed at IWPS 2015

“Did you forget that we are children of God, Dylann? And who doesn’t love unexpected trips home?”

Don’t miss this poem from Steven Willis, performing at IWPS 2015

Get Steven’s book, A Peculiar People.

Hailey Tran – The Surrogate Mother Speaks to Her Coming of Age Story

Performed at The 2023 Roxbury Poetry Festival in Boston, MA

“The eldest daughter is the blade that slices the night sky open so the sun can lunge forth.”

Don’t miss this poem from Hailey Tran, performing at The 2023 Roxbury Poetry Festival in Boston, MA

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Ty Chapman – To Whom It May Concern (after Danez Smith)

Performed at Poets & Pints in Minneapolis, MN

“”I’ve left no trace, no trail, but prints along the shore, they too will vanish in the tide.””

Don’t miss this poem from Ty Chapman, performing at Poets & Pints in Minneapolis, MN

Get Ty’s book, Tartarus.

Olivia Gatwood – Directives

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Performed at Rustbelt 2015

“”It is easy to hurt someone who looks just like you, especially when you hate yourself.””

Don’t miss this poem from Olivia Gatwood, performing at Rustbelt 2015

Get Olivia’s book, New American Best Friend.

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Patrick Roche – Princess

Performed at IWPS 2015

“So where had I failed in this chameleon training, how could he tell?”

Don’t miss this poem from Patrick Roche, performing at IWPS 2015

Get Patrick’s book, A Socially Acceptable Breakdown.

Selena Rose – Purpose of Tears

Performed at WOWPS 2023 in Baltimore, MD

“And even though it hurts we’ve got to pour salt water on our wounds.”

Don’t miss this poem from Selena Rose, performing at WOWPS 2023 in Baltimore, MD

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