Poets to Know - Brenna Twohy

Brenna Twohy is a poet and slam poet, and if you like that sort of thing, you've probably seen her. Her poetry dances in and out of the modern and mundane. Yes, her poems are profound, but they are also the uncomfortable everyday moments that make us who we are, awkward conversations and reality tv as metaphor for tragedy. There's still beauty when things are bad, and Twohy finds it without romanticizing despair. When you need something real, something that knows exactly what the bad days are like even when they're not impressive, you need Brenna Twohy. From anxiety to abuse, Twohy's poems are intimately close and ballistically powerful. 

You can see more of Twohy's slam poetry on her website. But don't think that this is everything. Though she's a powerful orator, Twohy's poetry is no less alive on the page. Life is painful and geographic, and everyday metaphors cut painfully close to the heart of loss and strength. These are not poems that give up. Twohy's poetry doesn't just capture the moment of despair, but every moment after when you keep going despite everything seeming hopeless. Not always glamorous, but always heroic, Twohy navigates living in a way that feels both grounded and ecstatic. 

Where to Start - 

Twohy has two fantastic chapbooks, but her first volume, Swallowtail, collects much of this work, so it's a great place to start. 

Brenna Twohy

Today I am Tired of Being a Woman

you know that poem 
about the icebox and the plums? 

i've always thought 
it would be nice 
to be an icebox. 

instead of a wanted thing. 
instead of a reaching hand. 

i have practice in the art 
of being cold on purpose. 

how else to keep the inside from spoiling? 
to keep the rot from creeping in? 

BY BRENNA TWOHY

Swallowtail, by Brenna Twohy