Andrea Gibson and I Will Again and I Will Again for Everyone I Lose

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Andrea Gibson is one of my favorite living, breathing poets. She is an activist; the LGBTQ experience and other bug of equality pervade her work. Her poesy, however, very frequently transcends these themes. "My mouth is a fire escape," she writes, with all the fury of a prophet, "the words coming out don't intendance that they are naked. At that place is something called-for in here." The Madness Vase is probably my favorite collection of her piece of work. The only real complaint I have is that at that place are numerous typos t Andrea Gibson is one of my favorite living, breathing poets. She is an activist; the LGBTQ experience and other bug of equality pervade her work. Her poetry, still, very often transcends these themes. "My mouth is a fire escape," she writes, with all the fury of a prophet, "the words coming out don't care that they are naked. There is something burning in here." The Madness Vase is probably my favorite collection of her work. The but real complaint I have is that there are numerous typos throughout this volume. ...more

Favourite poems, some of which I reread, particularly "Ashes," only as well:
"The Jewelry Store"
"Andrew"
"Glider Plane"
"Somewhere, a Carpenter"
"Gospel Salt"
"Staircase"

The poem that actually had me vehement up: "Sleeping."
I could only read it once.

There is a god walking among us on this earth

Jul 19, 2018 Baz rated information technology really liked it

I've heard some of Gibson's slam poetry on YouTube so I was really excited to read this collection and information technology was absolutely amazing. Gibson writes well-nigh a lot of topics such equally war, losing people, gender identity, being queer, love(a lot of love poems), and non actually fitting the expectations placed upon them. Every bit someone who is queer and trans, I really related to a lot of the poems in this collection.  I never really see myself represented at all in anything let alone literature. And then for me reading I've heard some of Gibson's slam poetry on YouTube so I was actually excited to read this drove and it was absolutely amazing. Gibson writes well-nigh a lot of topics such as war, losing people, gender identity, beingness queer, dearest(a lot of love poems), and not actually plumbing equipment the expectations placed upon them. Equally someone who is queer and trans, I really related to a lot of the poems in this drove.  I never actually see myself represented at all in anything let alone literature. So for me reading almost a person who has gone through the struggles I take was then refreshing and comforting, as I feel less alone in this world. I don't really desire to become too personal in this review, so I'll merely say I'm really glad I've read information technology. Just even for people who aren't  queer in anyhow, Gibson writes in such a way that doesn't feel preachy, and actually focus on their feelings. Equally a reader you really understand why sure experience had such a massive impact on Gibson, and really how universal their emotions are. Every bit someone who is trans people often tell me that they don't know what it's like to be trans which is patently true. Maybe you don't know what it's like to be misgendered on a daily basis, or what it'southward like to transition etc. but you probably know what information technology's like to try to be someone your not, or to exist confused most self identity, or feel similar you don't completely fit in etc. Being trans isn't some abstract idea that merely trans people are allow to know what it's like. I am human , and I experience human emotions in the same way you exercise, perchance for unlike reasons but you could apply that to everyone. So what I'g trying to say is I think Gibson really expresses questioning gender identity and gender expectations in a retable and understandable to everyone regardless on your own feel with gender. That'south why this drove ways so much to me. ...more

Mar 03, 2015 Saiber rated information technology it was amazing

2015 Reading Challenge - Read as many Poetry Books equally y'all may.

Andrea Gibson is ane of my favourite poets. Her voice is strong and her emotions are existent and raw.

I have read Pole Dancing to Gospel Hymns. And I liked it better than the Madness Vase. Actually I only liked a lot of poems from each ane. But I prefer PDtGH

I like the imagery she paints, the words she weaves. She is soo awesome. <3

The best part about this collection was that at that place were these couple of fun poems. :'D

God I tin't await for

2015 Reading Claiming - Read as many Poetry Books as you may.

Andrea Gibson is 1 of my favourite poets. Her vox is strong and her emotions are existent and raw.

I have read Pole Dancing to Gospel Hymns. And I liked it amend than the Madness Vase. Actually I just liked a lot of poems from each ane. Simply I prefer PDtGH

I like the imagery she paints, the words she weaves. She is soo awesome. <3

The best role almost this collection was that there were these couple of fun poems. :'D

God I can't expect for Pansy to come up out.

...more than

May 14, 2015 Kara rated it really liked it

For the past few years, I've seen many quotes from Andrea Gibson'southward poems on tumblr and other places. I've also seen some of her performances on YouTube (many/nearly of the poems from this book are up on YouTube if you search for them). I'm not a poetry guru by any means, so I don't accept much to compare this to? Simply I did enjoy information technology. I really like her lyrical style. Some of her stanzas hit me similar a ton of bricks. I got this from the library, but I'd beloved to ain it anytime. For the past few years, I've seen many quotes from Andrea Gibson's poems on tumblr and other places. I've also seen some of her performances on YouTube (many/most of the poems from this book are up on YouTube if you lot search for them). I'yard non a poetry guru by any means, so I don't have much to compare this to? But I did bask it. I really like her lyrical style. Some of her stanzas hitting me like a ton of bricks. I got this from the library, but I'd dearest to own it someday. ...more

Dec 04, 2011 Noora rated information technology information technology was amazing

This is absolutely astonishing. I have no words to describe how beautiful Andrea Gibson'south writing is. I love her manner, metaphors and passion behind her words. This volume, hands down, is now one of my all time favorites. This is admittedly amazing. I take no words to describe how beautiful Andrea Gibson'southward writing is. I love her manner, metaphors and passion behind her words. This book, hands downwardly, is now ane of my all time favorites. ...more

Jun 13, 2016 Lauren Kelly rated it it was astonishing

I wanted some poesy as catharsis from the horrific events that happened in Orlando this past weekend, and Andrea Gibson was only what my center needed.
I inhaled it with the same necessity as existent air. Gibson's poems are raw emotion, shaking fury and soft vulnerability. She navigates trauma and queerness and love and heartbreak while never losing her thread of activism nor her groovy sense of beauty. Excellent.

Nov 04, 2017 Marie S. rated it really liked it

It's hard to put into words what I call up nearly Andrea Gibson. They move me so much and leave me speechless and thinking near what I've done with my life so far.
I'd say I preferred Pansy, but information technology'due south close. It's hard to put into words what I recollect about Andrea Gibson. They move me so much and leave me speechless and thinking about what I've done with my life so far.
I'd say I preferred Pansy, but it's close. ...more than

Oct 19, 2015 N Yen rated it it was amazing

My favourites:

Sleeping
Somewhere, A Carpenter
Ashes
I Sing The Body Electrical, Peculiarly When My Power's Out

My favourites:

Sleeping
Somewhere, A Carpenter
Ashes
I Sing The Body Electrical, Peculiarly When My Power's Out

...more

Feb ten, 2018 Katie rated it really liked it

These aren't poems i tin read passively; they require devotion. These aren't poems 1 can read passively; they require devotion. ...more than

Oct 31, 2020 shar rated it it was amazing

first titular poem already had me sobbing and then i am not having fun. at that place's just then much queer grief and loss and hurt.

• "I sit down in the chair beside her, / run my palm confronting my shaved head. / She is the just ane who didn't care / when I stopped being pretty."

• "I want to bend in a thou directions similar the sunday does. / Like love does. / Similar time might finish / then the hands of the clock tin agree each other."

• "I knew there were things I should never find beautiful. / Like death. And girls

showtime titular poem already had me sobbing and so i am non having fun. there's just so much queer grief and loss and hurt.

• "I sit down in the chair abreast her, / run my palm confronting my shaved head. / She is the only one who didn't intendance / when I stopped beingness pretty."

• "I desire to bend in a thousand directions like the sun does. / Like dear does. / Like time might stop / and so the hands of the clock can hold each other."

• "I knew there were things I should never find beautiful. / Like death. And girls."

...more

Jan 03, 2016 Jillian rated it really liked it

While Andrea Gibson's first poetry collection is apparently superior, their second collection The Madness Vase is still superb. They notwithstanding bargain with hard hit issues such equally the consequences of state of war on veterans, their families, and the people we fight against ( Sleeping ), suicide (Piano), and violence against the LGBT community (Ashes). Gibson does not pull any punches, and they arroyo their subjects with raw honesty and rich emotion. Nada in their piece of work is contrived or forced. Mayhap it's While Andrea Gibson'south outset poesy drove is patently superior, their second collection The Madness Vase is still superb. They nevertheless deal with hard striking issues such as the consequences of war on veterans, their families, and the people we fight against ( Sleeping ), suicide (Pianoforte), and violence against the LGBT community (Ashes). Gibson does not pull any punches, and they approach their subjects with raw honesty and rich emotion. Null in their work is contrived or forced. Possibly it'south considering they started out in poetry slams and spoken word, but Gibson'southward writing never feels strong. They are not only honest but also funny. Non laugh out loud funny but a nudge-in-the-ribs and a sly smirk kind of funny. More poetry should be like theirs.

Maybe the best poem in the collection is the title verse form The Madness Vase. I beloved this poem because information technology gets to the cadre of why people write poetry. We write it so that we can breathe over again, so that nosotros tin be okay. I take problems with feet and am non ashamed to admit I accept medication for it, simply sometimes writing a verse form helps me more than those pills ever could. It feels similar a weight is lifted off my breast. When I read The Madness Vase, I thought, "Somebody understands." Considering I beloved this poem, here it is in full text (and my favorite function in bold).

"The nutritionist said I should eat root vegetables.
Said if I could go down thirteen turnips a day
I would exist grounded, rooted.
Said my head would not go on flying abroad
to where the darkness lives.

The psychic told me my eye carries too much weight.
Said for twenty dollars she'd tell me what to exercise.
I handed her the 20. She said, "Stop worrying, darling.
Yous will find a good human before long."

The starting time psycho therapist told me to spend
three hours each day sitting in a nighttime closet
with my optics closed and ears plugged.
I tried information technology once but couldn't stop thinking
almost how gay information technology was to be sitting in the closet.

The yogi told me to stretch everything simply the truth.
Said to focus on the out breath. Said everyone finds happiness
when they care more almost what they requite
than what they become.

The pharmacist said, "Lexapro, Lamicatl, Lithium, Xanax."

The doctor said an anti-psychotic might aid me
forget what the trauma said.

The trauma said, "Don't write these poems.
Nobody wants to hear you lot cry
about the grief inside your bones."

But my bones said, "Tyler Clementi jumped
from the George Washington Bridge
into the Hudson River convinced
he was entirely alone."

My basic said, "Write the poems."

...more

I bought this book when Andrea Gibson performed at my college (UTD whoosh!). She was astonishing. I literally cried listening to her perform. And then I was excited to read this collection.

There were a lot of actually great poems, but just equally many that brutal flat for me, unfortunately. I retrieve part of it is that her fashion of poetry lends itself more to operation than the written folio (manifestly, since she'south a slam poet champion). I don't normally read a lot of slam poetry either, so that could just be my bi

I bought this book when Andrea Gibson performed at my college (UTD whoosh!). She was amazing. I literally cried listening to her perform. So I was excited to read this drove.

There were a lot of really great poems, but only as many that fell flat for me, unfortunately. I call back part of it is that her style of poesy lends itself more to operation than the written folio (patently, since she's a slam poet champion). I don't usually read a lot of slam poetry either, and then that could only be my bias showing.

Some of my favorites:

"Maybe I Need You"

"Gravity" -- "We article of clothing our traumas / the way the guillotine / wears gravity. / Our lovers' necks / are so soft."

"Somewhere, A Carpenter" -- "To think a sweater / is fabricated entirely of knots. / My tummy could clothe a village this evening. / I am not ready. / The hungry never are."

"Andrew"

"Contact Solution"

"I Sing The Torso Electrical, Peculiarly When My Power's Out" -- "I started talking to the stars in the sky instead. / I said, 'Tell me nearly the big blindside.' / The stars said, 'It hurts to go.'"

...more

Andrea Gibson is one of my favorite poets so I'll read/mind to about anything they write. I appreciated that this poesy collection had a few pieces that I wasn't familiar with (from listening to their albums). Beautiful/heartbreaking/inspiriting. I love the mode that they play with metephore especially with the body/politics/the world/queerness/ religion Andrea Gibson is one of my favorite poets then I'll read/listen to about anything they write. I appreciated that this poesy collection had a few pieces that I wasn't familiar with (from listening to their albums). Cute/heartbreaking/inspiriting. I love the fashion that they play with metephore especially with the body/politics/the world/queerness/ religion ...more

This drove contains some of my favorite poems by Andrea Gibson, like "Ashes" (written from the betoken of view of a GLTBQ+ soldier tortured and burned), "Perhaps I Need You" (about dearest and heartbreak), "Somewhere, a Carpenter" (about Andrea's love for their grandmother)... Honestly, I feel similar nigh all of the poems in this drove are favorites, and they tend to make me bawl. This drove contains some of my favorite poems by Andrea Gibson, similar "Ashes" (written from the betoken of view of a GLTBQ+ soldier tortured and burned), "Possibly I Demand You" (well-nigh love and heartbreak), "Somewhere, a Carpenter" (about Andrea'due south love for their grandmother)... Honestly, I feel like nearly all of the poems in this collection are favorites, and they tend to make me bark. ...more

February 29, 2020 Cailin rated it it was amazing

I got my copy signed at a show last night, and I already know the next week is going to hazy with the honey that Andrea speaks so strongly near

I actually read Lord of the Butterflies first and needed more. The signature poem, The Madness Vase, is at present longer, updated and renamed, The Nutritionist. If you lot want to fall in love with the poet's work, bank check them out on YouTube. Similar me, you will order all their books at once and devour them like a feast. I actually read Lord of the Collywobbles first and needed more. The signature verse form, The Madness Vase, is now longer, updated and renamed, The Nutritionist. If you want to autumn in beloved with the poet's piece of work, check them out on YouTube. Like me, you will order all their books at once and devour them like a feast. ...more

Jun 30, 2019 Sara Hunt rated it it was amazing

Some poetry collections simply scratch the surface. The odd poem might exist good and send emotions flight around inside your head and heart but the rest might be bland or guilty of trying too hard. I accept watched Andrea Gibson on YouTube performing and listened to some of her poems via CD, where very often she sets her poems to music for extra ability and atmosphere. The Madness Vase was my commencement foray into Andrea's poems written down in black and white. When Andrea reads her poems aloud something pow Some poetry collections just scratch the surface. The odd poem might be expert and send emotions flying around inside your head and heart merely the rest might be bland or guilty of trying too difficult. I accept watched Andrea Gibson on YouTube performing and listened to some of her poems via CD, where very ofttimes she sets her poems to music for extra power and atmosphere. The Madness Vase was my first foray into Andrea's poems written down in black and white. When Andrea reads her poems aloud something powerful happens. Andrea transports you to a unlike place. Her vocalisation is melodic and transfixing with then much emotion bursting along with every word. Could that magic exist captured in a book? Would her poems depreciate without her voice being heard? It turns out that written down you discover another layer to this extremely talented artist. Suddenly y'all are confronted past words and phrases, sentances that sing out to y'all. The construction of her poems is to exist marvelled at. And so many amazing lines it is hard to take them all in in one go. I couldn't read this book in one sitting considering it would accept been too draining. So much emotion pours out of her words. To read this book is one get wouldn't be off-white to these poems anyway they deserve to be lingered over and appreciated every bit a drove and individually. Andrea'southward poems will not be anybody's cup of tea. Within this volume there are poems near sexual orientation, gender, love, loss, grief, violence, war, politics, the environs, bullying, growing up, family, friendships, agreement where you fit in within society, heartbreak, relationships, running away, depression and mental health. A lot of topics for a small book, but it doesn't experience like a small-scale book when you are reading information technology. A lot of the poems are quite long and the book seems to go on forever. Another reason why you demand to take a pause every and so ofttimes. I didn't weep reading these poems simply I did feel affected by them. I wanted to savour the words, the phrases, the clever apply of words. I felt drained past the end, exhausted even but in a good mode. Poems should make y'all feel something and they should go out you wanting more. This collection does just that. ...more

Sep 06, 2015 Laura rated it information technology was amazing

Recommends it for: fans of spoken word

The value of poetry is clearly defined in Andrea'due south stanzas. She's trigger-happy, honest, and dauntless. That's non uncommon with poets but what makes her different than others is her ability to conjure memories you've tucked away. She brings you lot back to your babyhood, overwhemling grief, and moments where y'all felt invincible. This is bare vulnerability at its core and it'due south beautiful. I of course recommend you to check out all of her spoken word that'south available online but only if yous're ready to experience.

"Wha

The value of poetry is clearly defined in Andrea's stanzas. She's trigger-happy, honest, and brave. That'south not uncommon with poets but what makes her dissimilar than others is her ability to conjure memories you've tucked away. She brings you back to your babyhood, overwhemling grief, and moments where yous felt invincible. This is bare vulnerability at its core and information technology's beautiful. I of class recommend yous to cheque out all of her spoken discussion that'southward bachelor online but but if you're ready to feel.

"What I know about living
is the pain is never just ours.
Every time I hurt I know the wound is an echo,
and then I keep listening for the moment the grief becomes a window,
when I tin run across what I couldn't run into before
through the glass of my most dilapidated dream
I watched a dandelion lose its mind in the air current
and when it did, it scattered a k seeds."

The Madness Vase/The Nutritionist

...more

I finished reading this book ages ago just there'south something quite comforting in the thought that reading this volume is somewhat unfinished. There are still lines that I just recently noticed before and poems that did not resonate before yet now shatter the center. I read each poem slowly and sometimes rapidly in Gibson'due south voice because that's how I first met her poetry i.east. via Youtube and Spotify. I give it a 4 not considering the book is imperfect but because sometimes the voice that reads the poems I finished reading this book ages agone but there'southward something quite comforting in the thought that reading this book is somewhat unfinished. There are nevertheless lines that I only recently noticed before and poems that did not resonate earlier yet at present shatter the heart. I read each verse form slowly and sometimes apace in Gibson'due south voice because that's how I first met her poetry i.eastward. via Youtube and Spotify. I requite it a 4 not because the book is imperfect but because sometimes the voice that reads the poems turns into my own and it throws me off. Strange merely I felt similar my own voice couldn't carry both the heaviness and lightness of the poems. Strange indeed. ...more

April 05, 2015 Amanda rated information technology it was astonishing

"In the morning I shovel blood from white snow, I wipe my frantic breath from the window, and demark my breasts then that something volition hold my breath so tight not even the air in my lungs could be identified as adult female."

Exceptionally moving read and talented poet! I definitely found parts of myself in her writing. Though I am not religious her references were not an annoyance and her written struggles with LGBTQ I found to be fascinating. What a gifted author - i of a kind - I couldn't help but be

"In the morning I shovel blood from white snowfall, I wipe my frantic jiff from the window, and bind my breasts so that something volition agree my breath so tight not fifty-fifty the air in my lungs could exist identified as woman."

Uncommonly moving read and talented poet! I definitely found parts of myself in her writing. Though I am non religious her references were not an badgerer and her written struggles with LGBTQ I constitute to exist fascinating. What a gifted writer - one of a kind - I couldn't help but exist gripped past this book & Andrea's presence...

...more

I don't think I accept really saturday down and wrote downward my favorite poets, but when I do Andrea Gibson is at the top.

The Madness Vase is magical words that tell stories with enough metaphor, love and laughs. That you will stay remembering after you lot read.

-Crab Apple Pirates
-Maybe I Need Yous
-Sleeping
-Marriage
-Jellyfish
-The Vinegar Social club

Just a few of my stands outs merely the whole book is elite condition. Including Leprechaun laughter and a letter to Andrea'south playground bully.

I don't call back I take actually sat down and wrote downward my favorite poets, but when I practice Andrea Gibson is at the summit.

The Madness Vase is magical words that tell stories with enough metaphor, love and laughs. That yous will stay remembering after you lot read.

-Crab Apple Pirates
-Perhaps I Need You
-Sleeping
-Marriage
-Jellyfish
-The Vinegar Gild

Just a few of my stands outs only the whole volume is aristocracy status. Including Leprechaun laughter and a letter to Andrea's playground bully.

...more than

Oct x, 2012 Alex rated it it was amazing

Devoured this on the aeroplane this morning. I've listened to a lot of Andrea the past few years, but rarely have I read her. Reading her poems directly through, it was interesting to come across how she uses and so many recurring themes. She loves heartbeats and seashells, the music of the saxophone, violin, flute, and harmonica. I couldn't put it down. Devoured this on the plane this morn. I've listened to a lot of Andrea the past few years, but rarely have I read her. Reading her poems straight through, it was interesting to come across how she uses so many recurring themes. She loves heartbeats and seashells, the music of the saxophone, violin, flute, and harmonica. I couldn't put it down. ...more

Aug 03, 2012 madison rated it it was amazing

Andrea Gibson is hands one of the well-nigh talented spoken word poets out there. This book is cute. Be sure to watch alive performances of the poems online to become the full effect.

Jan 26, 2013 Raisa rated it really liked it

Deeply moving. I didn't want to set the book down, but when I did I made sure to come back to information technology as shortly as possible. What night dazzler tin can be written with the correct words. Securely moving. I didn't want to set the volume down, but when I did I made sure to come dorsum to it as shortly as possible. What dark beauty can be written with the right words. ...more

Stunning. I will certainly be reading more of Gibson's work. Stunning. I volition certainly be reading more of Gibson'southward work. ...more

Feb 06, 2018 Julia rated information technology liked it

It's proficient, simply a little gimmicky. I dearest Gibson'south voice but information technology'south repetitive, information technology can experience a bit one-play tricks. Peachy if yous're just getting into verse! Information technology's expert, simply a trivial gimmicky. I love Gibson'due south vocalism but it's repetitive, information technology can experience a bit ane-fox. Great if you lot're simply getting into poetry! ...more

Andrea Gibson is an award-winning poet and activist who lives in Boulder, Colorado. Their latest book THE LORD OF THE BUTTERFLIES will be published by Push button in Nov 2018.

Their poetry focuses on gender norms, politics, social reform and the struggles LGBTQ people face in today'due south order. In improver to using poesy to express what they feel and provide social and political commentary on real

Andrea Gibson is an award-winning poet and activist who lives in Boulder, Colorado. Their latest book THE LORD OF THE Collywobbles will exist published past Push in November 2018.

Their poetry focuses on gender norms, politics, social reform and the struggles LGBTQ people face in today's society. In addition to using poetry to limited what they feel and provide social and political commentary on real issues, they are involved with many activist groups. They often perform at Take Back the Dark events, LGBTQ events, pride events, trans events, anti-war rallies, peace rallies, organizations against the occupation of Palestine, and groups focused on examining the wrongs of capitalism, patriarchy and white supremacy. They also work with a grouping called Vox Feminista whose model is to "comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable" on all these issues. Throughout the year, they tour Universities and other venues across the country.

...more

News & Interviews

Spring has sprung, and that's good news for those of usa who enjoy reading outdoors. Well, some of us insist on reading our books...

"The nutritionist said I should swallow root vegetables.
Said if I could get down 13 turnips a day
I would be grounded, rooted.
Said my head would not keep flying away
to where the darkness lives.

The psychic told me my heart carries too much weight.
Said for xx dollars she'd tell me what to do.
I handed her the twenty. She said, "Stop worrying, darling.
You will observe a skilful human being before long."

The start psycho therapist told me to spend
3 hours each twenty-four hour period sitting in a dark closet
with my eyes closed and ears plugged.
I tried it once but couldn't stop thinking
about how gay information technology was to exist sitting in the closet.

The yogi told me to stretch everything but the truth.
Said to focus on the out breath. Said anybody finds happiness
when they care more than most what they give
than what they become.

The pharmacist said, "Lexapro, Lamicatl, Lithium, Xanax."

The doctor said an anti-psychotic might help me
forget what the trauma said.

The trauma said, "Don't write these poems.
Nobody wants to hear yous weep
almost the grief within your bones."

But my bones said, "Tyler Clementi jumped
from the George Washington Bridge
into the Hudson River convinced
he was entirely lone."

My bones said, "Write the poems."

— 500 likes

"The trauma said, 'Don't write these poems.
Nobody wants to hear you cry about the grief within your basic." — 351 likes

More quotes…

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