Poems

  • Cover of Issue 01 titled "language" featuring nine multilingual license plates from various U.S. states.

    two syllables; 237 pages | alternate title: my grandmother and bell hooks shared source material

    My first published poem! A dedication to my grandmother. Published in Tabadul’s inaugural issue (Nov ‘23), centered on the theme of Language.

    Read it here
  • An illustration of a body laying down on a marbled background.

    For Shelley and Stryker, who leapt from the head of Zeus

    An ode to the work of Susan Stryker and a meditation on the body, transformation, and what's considered 'natural'.

    Read it here
  • Cover of "Beyond Words Issue #4 February 2024" displaying collage artwork by Okja Kwon featuring abstract plant forms

    unlearning the logic of grief takes more than 8yrs (this I know)

    Reflecting on my attachment to actions as a sense of control in the face of inevitable grief. Published in Issue 44 (Feb ‘24) of Beyond Words Magazine.

    Read it here
  • Cover of Fruitslice featuring a painting of two women sitting next to each other

    you dance unprompted

    What makes us trust strangers enough to embark on a path to friendship? Published in Fruitslice’s second issue (Mar ‘24), centered on Platonic Romance & Chosen Bonds.

    Read it here

  • of olives and watermelon in October & “writing [under Article 99 of the Charter of the United Nations]..."

    Two poems in We Were Seeds, a Querencia Press anthology published to benefit victims of genocide in Palestine. All sales donated to The Sameer Project & mutual aids on Gaza Funds

    Purchase a copy here
  • Cover of '27th Poetry Ink' book featuring calligraphy in red on blue background

    how striking, the resemblance

    The things I didn’t say in that one conversation. Published in the 27th Annual Poetry Ink Anthology (Feb ‘24) by Moonstone Press.

    Purchase a copy here
  • The words 'Voicemail Poems' above a picture of a purple flower with a blue background

    Thriving!

    A sensory celebration of life. Published in Voicemail Poems’ Spring 2024 issue (May ‘24). Audio recording available here.

    Read it here
  • Cover of Carolina Muse showing painting of woman laying on ground, facing viewer, with flowers blooming around her

    until August comes again

    The moments in between loss and the arrival of grief. Published in Vol.4 No.2 (May ‘24) of Carolina Muse.

    Read it here
  • A reddish-orange boldface letter "a"

    Abode Press reading [6/30/24]

    To close the Abode Press 2024 Retreat, fellows participated in a reading. I chose to read “They told me God had a plan” & “Lessons on how to be”.

    Watch it here

  • Sundress Academy (SAFTA): Reading Series [2/19/25]

    Sundress Reading Series is an award-winning literary reading series featuring nationally recognized writers. Headlined alongside Gardner Dorton.

    Watch Here
  • Picture of blue flame on a lit match

    Five Poems: Diamond

    Burning matches, forgotten birthdays, love for the Southern staples– this set of poems was published in the inaugural issue of Understory lit magazine (Fall ‘26), produced by Redbud Writing Project.

    Read them here

If you don’t say it out loud, no one will know who you are.

Nikky Finney

[Nikky said this at the Griot & Grey Owl conference (Nov ‘23). But honestly, she was dropping so many dimes, she might not even remember this one. It stuck with me though]

Photo by Wilson