A Thousand Profane Pieces

by Myna Wallin

Erotic and wry, the poems in this collection are a firsthand tour through the world of a modern woman for whom desire is no longer a dirty word. The poet explores where the sensual woman has been and where she is going—a journey that belies the complex voices that inherit the lines of the poems, presenting both the confidence and vulnerability of sexually-empowered women who are put in the position of second-guessing their escape from stereotypes and societal expectations. Exploitation becomes a badge of honor for the women of the poems, with acerbic humor and commentary that entertain but strike an emotional resonance nonetheless.

75 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2006

About the author

MYNA WALLIN, a Toronto poet and prose writer, is a the author of A Thousand Profane Pieces, poetry (Tightrope Books, 2006), and the novel, Confessions of a Reluctant Cougar (Tightrope Books, 2010). Her second collection of poetry, Anatomy of An Injury, was published by Inanna Publications in 2018. Her fourth book overall, and third collection of poetry, The Suicide Tourist, was published by Ekstasis Editions, June 2024.

Myna received an Honourable Mention in the Winston Collins/ Descant Prize for Best Canadian Poem. Myna's poem hung at the AGO, along with two paintings of her, as part of a show entitled, "Why (Not) Paintings of Poets?" She has her Honours B.A. and M.A. in English Lit from the University of Toronto.

Recent poems have appeared in: Vallum, The Miramichi Reader, NōD Magazine, The Quarantine Review, Sledgehammer Literary Magazine, and Unfortunately, Literary Magazine, The Antigonish Review, and Anti-Heroin Chic, and The Literary Review of Canada.

Reviews

[Matt Blair · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very solid debut from a charming and disarming poet. I had the pleasure of meeting Myna years ago at a reading series I used to curate, and hers was one of many books from that series that have been in my backlog ever since. I'm glad to finally have gotten around to it, and I highly recommend it.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Masterful Exploration of the Human Experience

Myna Wallin's "A Thousand Profound Pieces" is a stunning collection of poetry that delves into the intricacies of love, loss, identity, and resilience. With precision and elegance, Wallin weaves together words that pierce the heart and nourish the soul.

Wallin's unique voice, both vulnerable and powerful, navigates the complexities of human emotions with remarkable depth. Her poems dance with imagery, inviting readers to immerse themselves in vivid landscapes of hope, despair, and transformation.

Themes of feminism, relationships, and self-discovery are woven throughout, making this collection a testament to the strength and fragility of the human spirit. Wallin's language is evocative, accessible, and lyrical, rendering each poem a masterclass in craftsmanship.

Standout pieces like "Fractured Light" and "Echoes in the Attic" showcase Wallin's skill in capturing the ephemeral nature of memory and emotion. Her words resonate long after the final page is turned.

"A Thousand Profound Pieces" is a triumph, solidifying Myna Wallin's position as a leading voice in contemporary poetry.

Recommendation: For fans of Mary Oliver, Warsan Shire, and Sylvia Plath.

[Alisha RE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Myna’s writing style makes you feel like these are your own thoughts. These poems run deep and powerfully.