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The Culling of the Fold
The first book of Poetry by multi-faceted artist and singer-songwriter, Jessika Bat. These poems span the years of her adolescence and young adulthood touching themes such as mythology, coming of age, love, sexuality, substance abuse, mother-daughter relationships, magic realism, and magical creatures
147 pages, Paperback
First published January 8, 2012
246 people want to read
About the author
Jessika Bat
1 book31 followersPoetess and singer-songwriter, Jessika also sells her hand-knitwear and other hand-made goods in her store, "Gypsy & Lore".
Her first book of poetry, "the Culling of the Fold" is now available for sale on amazon.com and through lulu press.
She is currently at work on her second book, "One Fell Swoop".
Her first book of poetry, "the Culling of the Fold" is now available for sale on amazon.com and through lulu press.
She is currently at work on her second book, "One Fell Swoop".
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
September 2, 2013
Poetry from an unfettered heart. It exudes a fearless desire to feel and taste life in all of its sweetness and bitterness, to rebound from dark days and leave oneself open to new experiences, new sensibilities. A very honest and brave first volume that will resonate with young readers, and draw older ones back to their heady,unforgettable formative years.
February 18, 2022
Poems by yours truly, written across both the years and the map ♡
March 7, 2016
I won this book in a giveaway two years ago, where it quickly was overtaken by college textbooks and essays and the million things that seem to get in the way of plans. I promised I would read it though. When a book comes signed and with a thank you letter for your interest, there is an obligation to follow through.
I feel like I would have enjoyed this collection much more in high school--the time period I get the impression she is reflecting upon in this book. I would have seen my friends, and a little bit of myself, in the self-esteem issues and the broken hearts and weed clouds and hunger pangs.
I still liked it, parts of it. There were stanzas and stray lines I really enjoyed, and I like her conversation but rhythmic tone that reminds me of beat poetry and snapping fingers and saxophones. I thought it could use more polishing, a little more consideration when putting the poems in order. Sometimes it felt like there was a story being told in the grander scheme, but then a poem would loop around to an almost identical topic as the first two, and then I went back to feeling like I was reading a rough draft: the poems in their original form, not yet edited or composed to work with others. They hadn't been taught to socialize yet. There was also an excessive fondness for gardens, ink spills, the bear mother, and water going down the drain. Some of these metaphors were beautifully constructed and clever, and others weren't, but they were often repeated...but not in a way that made it feel intentional as though it were tying the pieces together.
In summary felt like what I was reading was unfinished. It was, after all, a first publication. Her Facebook suggests a second book is in the works, and I'm curious to see how she's grown as a poet and a writer since 2012.
I feel like I would have enjoyed this collection much more in high school--the time period I get the impression she is reflecting upon in this book. I would have seen my friends, and a little bit of myself, in the self-esteem issues and the broken hearts and weed clouds and hunger pangs.
I still liked it, parts of it. There were stanzas and stray lines I really enjoyed, and I like her conversation but rhythmic tone that reminds me of beat poetry and snapping fingers and saxophones. I thought it could use more polishing, a little more consideration when putting the poems in order. Sometimes it felt like there was a story being told in the grander scheme, but then a poem would loop around to an almost identical topic as the first two, and then I went back to feeling like I was reading a rough draft: the poems in their original form, not yet edited or composed to work with others. They hadn't been taught to socialize yet. There was also an excessive fondness for gardens, ink spills, the bear mother, and water going down the drain. Some of these metaphors were beautifully constructed and clever, and others weren't, but they were often repeated...but not in a way that made it feel intentional as though it were tying the pieces together.
In summary felt like what I was reading was unfinished. It was, after all, a first publication. Her Facebook suggests a second book is in the works, and I'm curious to see how she's grown as a poet and a writer since 2012.
October 30, 2015
Beautifully written poetry with magical undertones, The style changes throughout the book. Some of the poems have a tragic yet beautiful darkness to them. They are inspiring and can give hope to readers who have lived through and come out of dark times themselves or find themselves in them now. I could relate to many of the poems having had similar experiences. I highly recommend it. This is book of poetry that I can go back to often and find myself having new favourites and seeming to often see other familiar poems in a completely new light as if it blossomed new petals or developed new thorns.
December 17, 2014
A good collection of raw, unfettered, heartfelt poetry from someone who knows how to truly open her heart to the world.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews