I’m Taken with the notion…

NEW WORK! My latest poem, “Call Me Baby,” is out now with Identity Theory. 

Story: When I was on the plane to AWP 2024 I got to thinking about intimacy and belonging, not knowing what I’d find amongst the literary cohort. And, the name of this piece suddenly popped into mind. As is often the case, I didn’t initially know if there was any “there” there. Then, after three days of talking, reading, book buying, and realizing so many friendships that, up til that point, had only been virtual, I felt supercharged.

In a way, across those three days, I’d regressed and reconnected with that little kid that lives in all of us, the one who yearns to be accepted, to be a part of something. So much of that impulse and what we learn from it goes on to shape the way we seek and process intimacy.

So, I followed that thread onto my return flight and, as is my wont, I couldn’t help but begin drafting this piece in my head. Usually a sign that I’m on to something. And, within a week, I’d scribbled, revised, reordered, and refined this poem into being.

Admittedly, I was a bit precious about this one. In a weird way, I felt like I had to watch out for that little boy who showed more of himself than he tends to in these words. I wanted to find the right home for it.

And, I was thrilled when Identity Theory seemed to love this piece as much as I do and offered it a home. I hope you enjoy the read.