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Born Naked, the Choice After is Ours
Merril D. Smith 1. The rot from within festers,the room reeks, the lies bloom like corpse flowers,the stench overwhelming–it’s the new perfume. Three men in that oval chamber,only one is a leader, and I am ashamed. 2. But— in the darkness, we openour eyes, whisperpoetry, till we becomeferocious– motherswill defend their young,their young will growl… Continue reading
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she writes me down
Melissa Lemay a number on the marginsturns me over and backi exist in silentclaim numbers she clack-clack-clackshits send to askagain what year‘the incident’ occurred i tell her i don’t remembermost of my life i list out dates all estimatesin language she probablydoes (not) understand, i understand only incidentsthat happened in pennsylvaniaqualify me for the aid… Continue reading
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About the Project
The Chaos Section Poetry Project publishes curated poetry collections rather than individual poems on a rolling basis. Our work is primarily rooted in contemporary free verse, though we’re open to a wide range of forms when they serve the book or project.
Each collection is built around a central theme and shaped through close editorial collaboration, with an emphasis on voice, craft, and emotional honesty.
All books are available free to read on the site and as free high-quality digital downloads. Print editions are offered for readers who want a physical copy.
Record of Dissent: Poems of Protest in an Authoritarian Age
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