The Third Self: poems about creative identity

by Salem Paige, Sunday Mornings at the River (Contributor)

In their debut poetry collection, The Third Self, Paige delves into the creative process with honesty and vulnerability, highlighting the highs and lows of artistic expression.

Divided into three sections - Identity, Uncertainty, and Creativity - the collection offers a unique perspective on the journey of creative self-discovery. Through their words, Paige speaks directly to the universal struggle of overcoming the fear of failure and the constant pressure to be productive, encouraging readers to embrace the journey of creativity rather than just focus on the end result.

Kate Gough, author of The Maiden in the Tower, describes The Third Self as "a realistically bittersweet depiction of making art," one that celebrates the beauty of the creative process while acknowledging the challenges that come with it. Paige's philosophies on creativity and perfectionism offer insight into how society’s constant need to be productive may hinge on being its downfall. But it's not just a book about creativity. The Third Self is also a deeply personal exploration of identity, with Paige's own experiences as a transgender individual woven into the fabric of the collection. Paige's unique perspective on the isolation of the artist, and the relationship between loneliness and creativity, makes this collection a must-read for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider.

The Third Self is published by Sunday Mornings at the River. More sundaymorningsattheriver.com

Genres: Poetry

68 pages, Paperback

Published March 22, 2023

About the author

Salem Paige (they/them) is a poet and designer based on traditional Coast Salish territory (so-called Vancouver, British Columbia). Salem holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Ottawa with a Major in Communications. Their works revolve around the exploration of identity and discomfort through narrative universes where Nature and technology intertwine, and can be found in their collection of poetry, The Third Self (2023, Sunday Mornings at the River Press) and their chapbook to grow roots (2023, bottlecap press), as well as in corporeal literary magazine, Beyond Words magazine, STREETCAKE magazine, Ariel Chart Literary Journal, BiPan magazine, and many others. They have previously been twice nominated for Best of the Net, shortlisted for the Ralph Gustafson Poetry Prize and the Bridport Poetry Prize, and longlisted for the ROOM Poetry Prize. More on Salem can be found at salempaige.com or @corpseofapoet on the Internet.

Reviews

[Salem Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

not bad

[River Snowdrop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Salem is incredible. This collection spoke to me both as a writer and as someone who believes in transcending the rigidity of “normal”, expected human experience and leaning more into fluidity, change.

I felt so seen in this book. From the very beginning I felt challenged to write, I felt called in to the creative process. Salem does this amazing thing wherein their personal becomes communal, it doesn’t feel shut off or egotistical or indulgent, they simply write truths and we see ourselves in them. I admire so much their use of form and structure and the ways in which each work shifts, and is allowed to do so.

I saved so many of these poems to re-read later, but I want to highlight one in particular that resonated: ‘in a name’. As a trans non-binary person, very much still working things out on my gender *journey*, this poem gave me comfort, gave me hope, gave me permission. Thank you Salem, thank you.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book urged me to reflect more than any other book I’ve read in a long time! Every page is a revelation and this entire collection is beautifully written. Definitely one of my favourite books this year!

[Kim Rashidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

i haven’t read a poetry book cover to cover in a while and this did it! it got me back into the game!

a poignant and inspiring exploration of the creative self. the poetry presents so many avenues to explore creative expression and commiserate/celebrate the journey. my favourite poem was affairs with loneliness—“poets are borne from affairs with loneliness, not dependence on its empty support” OOOF

read this if: your creativity is dwindling, you’re looking to explore a new medium, you wanna peer into the mind of a brilliant poet

[emma ahmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

salem, you’re a genius

[Alxcxa · Rating 5 out of 5]

i go back to this book whenever i want to feel understood. as a creative person, i completely resonate with the many themes presented in salem’s collection. in addition to being intelligently written, salem’s poems break tradition with classical poetry, proving that art is always evolving and risk can result in something beautiful.

[Lilith Noah · Rating 5 out of 5]

“(..) when i spill across pages, do i know the right words or has it all been coincidence, (…)”, poet Salem Paige writes in their collection “The third Self” and as a fellow writer and creative, this quote and the entire collection hit hard. I was absolutely fascinated by the idea of the third self and I love how the three chapters fit this theme of the creative person and their process. This fear of being forgotten, of being an imposter, mixed with this desire to be heard is something I battle with every time I create something, and Salem managed to capture the intricacies in the creative process/ mind beautifully. With every poem it feels like discovering a new corner in their mind and, at the same time, somehow in my own. (I especially loved “i feel like i should have done something by now” and “THIS IS NOT A POEM”.) So whether you consider yourself a creative or not: Salem’s collection of poetry is fascinating, so very real and made me look at the creative process with different eyes. Go read it!

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

so heartwarming!

[Natalie D.C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exquisitely reflective debut poetry collection that explores creative identity through the lens of the author's "third self." Salem Paige's verse is masterful, with unique poetic structures and titles that'll make any creative go "hey, that's me!" While I wish some of these poems took even more risks and delved even deeper into the topic of creative exploration, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this collection from one of my fav contemporary poets! My favs from this work include "sometimes my art is made out of spite," "don't forget me," and "balancing act" <3

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel personally attacked by this poetry collection. 5/5

[j. alden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every creative should read this book. I found Salem's gorgeous verse sticking to my teeth like melted candy to be savoured over and over, coming back to me even when I didn't realize I needed it. I'll be returning to this little collection many times throughout my own creative journey!

[Kate Gough · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The lack of action, due to fear of failure is a crushing theme that runs rampant among not only the artists, but all of humankind. In this debut poetry collection, Salem Paige depicts the agony of writer’s block, whilst romanticizing the creative process at the same time, a realistically bittersweet depiction of making art. The meta process of creation, though some may consider somewhat inaccessible, is actually the most human theme of all. For we all hit a block in our pursuits some times, and we all could take heed of the author’s message to enjoy the journey and live for the process. Salem Paige’s philosophies on creativity and perfectionism offer insight into how society’s constant need to be productive may hinge on being its downfall. After all, the writer’s block is only a part of the process, and it is the time to absorb. The time to consume poetry, art, music, food, every inspiration, and to find new meaning. To dismiss the block as something useless, is to miss the important marinating one must do to create.

The isolation of the artist is another theme explored, whilst deemed necessary at times, is both a superpower and a curse. To seek inwards to create is only natural, but it becomes a curse if you depend solely on isolation to write. “it was then i discovered that poets are borne from affairs with loneliness, not dependence on its empty support.”

This collection shows, it doesn’t tell. It shows the reader the process of writing a poem, in a meta collection of poetry that emphasizes the journey over the destination. The final product is tangibly potent in its sincere encouragement to pick up a pen and start writing.”

[Maddi · Rating 4 out of 5]

An absolutely incredible and enjoyable collection! The third self delves deep into the paradox of being a writer; the emersion, the desperation and most painstakingly the awareness of it all. I have far too many favourite poems, and favourite quotes that i will absolutely be returning to - and, refuse to forget.

[Katrina Wilcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Radiant. Inspiring. I am in awe of Salem’s writing.

[Chrissie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5"