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Refused a Second Date
Refused a Second Date is a collection about first dates, dates that prevent any chance of a second date. The poems center on first date impressions, intergenerational patterns of dating and intimate partner violence, racism in dating, mental health, religion as it relates to sex, and queerness. Refused a Second Date is a love letter to the romantic, platonic, and familial relationships that shape us. Most importantly, it is a love letter to the author's mother who shaped how they navigate relationships.
81 pages, Paperback
Published September 23, 2023
8 people want to read
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September 28, 2024
In Maya Williams second poetry collection "Refused A Second Date" their poems use contemporary games and music; personification and resonant imagery to explore good, weird, sexy, creepy and bad dates; and speak truth to power. Thematically, they discuss: queerness; genderqueerness; Blackness; multiracial identity; racism; mental illness; pop culture; immersive snapshots of life; lineage; violence; boundaries; romantic and sexual relationships; gratitude; affirmations; Christianity; childhood, teenagehood and adulthood.
The italics beautifully provide a poignant peak into the rich inner world of both the speaker and the subjects in the poem; or provide a narrative element. Evocative sensory imagery is utilized to immerse readers in the poems. Some poems have a running metaphor, or repetition, which makes the point land home with so much more power. All poems have final lines that linger and etch themselves into you. The poems have experiment with form and function so spectacularly. They range from hilarious, to sensual, to unapologetic, to nuanced explorations of family to sarcastic commentary.
There are recurring poems on dates, lineage, Maya's Mother, good ink and never have I ever; which all have incredible range and as you progress through the book land differently on each reading. The poems utilize the pages to contrast one poem to the other on the next page with a gut punch.
I love how unapologetic they are in their belief in self; calling out harmful behaviour; writing poems as a form of processing and expressing love; and embracing the awkwardness of first dates and dating apps.
Maya bares their full self and I am a better writer and human for reading their truth. The ending was just the full circle moment I needed. Would highly recommend anyone and everyone to buy this book! 10/10!
The italics beautifully provide a poignant peak into the rich inner world of both the speaker and the subjects in the poem; or provide a narrative element. Evocative sensory imagery is utilized to immerse readers in the poems. Some poems have a running metaphor, or repetition, which makes the point land home with so much more power. All poems have final lines that linger and etch themselves into you. The poems have experiment with form and function so spectacularly. They range from hilarious, to sensual, to unapologetic, to nuanced explorations of family to sarcastic commentary.
There are recurring poems on dates, lineage, Maya's Mother, good ink and never have I ever; which all have incredible range and as you progress through the book land differently on each reading. The poems utilize the pages to contrast one poem to the other on the next page with a gut punch.
I love how unapologetic they are in their belief in self; calling out harmful behaviour; writing poems as a form of processing and expressing love; and embracing the awkwardness of first dates and dating apps.
Maya bares their full self and I am a better writer and human for reading their truth. The ending was just the full circle moment I needed. Would highly recommend anyone and everyone to buy this book! 10/10!
Displaying 1 of 1 review