A Necklace of Teeth by Ivy L. James (digital version)

"sometimes anger is called for.

sometimes anger is the only indicator I’m bleeding.

sometimes anger has to last

so I can work up the courage

to tell someone they wounded me."

Ivy L. James's "A Necklace of Teeth" is a visceral read of rage poetry - it speaks deeply to the parts of us that know anger is a part of healing, that bleeding doesn't mean you're weak, that how you choose to heal is completely up to you. James writes to the core, her words bloody and so excruitiatingly raw, honest, unapologetic.

Praise for "A Necklace of Teeth":

"You know that scene in the movies when someone walks out from the shadows, haloed by flickering streetlights, their fingers twirling weapons with a fluidity that makes your breath stammer? Ivy L. James’ poems are the moment in the story when the soundtrack swells. This collection will pulse a surge of queer fury and recognition and power through your bones. It embarks on a hero's journey much closer to the heart than any other and isn't afraid to get its hands dripping in electric blood."

 

- Elena Sichrovsky, Eating Out Anne Sexton (Ghost City Press, ‘24)

"Ivy L. James has a gift for you –

 

torrents of flame lightning white hot venom for those who read words of peace and choose war – slow agonies for the monsters parents promised weren't real but always been hiding in tricks of light– engraved promises of Decimation on the foreheads of those who live for sorrow – slowly teaching those wilfully ignorant the difference of stigmata v. scars – a salt the earth approach to tending the fields once known as home

 

It's wonderful – you're thankful of it, and make a note to check the inscription of “sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc”

 

A Necklace of Teeth, all for you. You pop it on, happy to wear it home."

 

-       Clem Flowers, author of KUDZU (Cowboy Jamboree Press) and I KNOW NOTHING BUT THE NIGHT (BULLSHIT LIT)

published by dogleech books. releases July 22nd, 2024.