This Witch: Poems

by J.R. Rogue

A holiday poetry collection.

Genres: Poetry

38 pages, Paperback

First published October 29, 2020

About the author

J.R. Rogue first put pen to paper at the age of fifteen after developing an unrequited high school crush and has never stopped writing about heartache. She has published multiple volumes of poetry and novels. Her work has been recognized with three Goodreads Choice Awards nominations, a testament to the impact of her work on readers.

In addition to her writing, J.R. Rogue is a certified yoga teacher with additional certification in Yoga Nidra and Trauma-Informed Yoga. She is passionate about mindfulness and meditation, and currently studying Foundations in Meditation. Furthermore, J.R. Rogue has been sober from alcohol since January 1st, 2020, a personal achievement that she is proud of and that has strengthened her commitment to mindfulness and wellness.

J.R. Rogue resides in a small town in the Midwest with her family, where she enjoys a peaceful life reading and telling stories

Reviews

[Sasha Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

since my spooky phase isn't a phase — it's a year-long lifestyle — i will be reading and rereading this multiple times. this is my new favorite poetry book. it's the perfect mix of witchcraft, romance, passion, and melancholy. i got in on reading this early. i had to. it called to me. and come on, look at that cover. i can absolutely recommend this poetry book to people and am confident they're going to love it as much as i do.

[Keeloween · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't love it but I didn't hate it

[Tiffany S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I read the newest collection I think that was my favorite... till the new one. LOL

THIS IS MY NEW FAVORITE!!! It made me feel giddy at times?! Idk. Loved it.

[Drina Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was smiling the whole time I read this. The witchy themes mixed with romance, passion, and sadness had me completely enchanted, and the poems practically begged to be read aloud. I couldn’t resist imagining myself giving a spoken word performance (yes, I’m totally in love with my own voice😌).

It’s a short collection—just a few poems—but I savored each one for as long as I could. Something about the writing resonated deeply, as if the witch in me was reveling in every word.

[Robert Pierson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad but not great either I found this to be just OK

[Mandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved, loved!! This author’s poetry is phenomenal!

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, by now you should trust me when I say that Jen’s work is phenomenal, since I’ve been reading it for nearly 4 years, but just in case, here you go. First, I want to mention that I love the way this author does her new releases, alternating novels and poetry collections. It’s a breath of fresh air each time she makes the switch, like I get to breathe in the other side of her raw talent this time around. On the heels of her latest novel, Blind Melody (a complete masterpiece), this chapbook was gut-punching in the best way. It’s like I got to physically feel her magic through the pages. This Witch is gripping and poignant, really all the more so for its compactness. The first piece grabbed me by the throat (I expect nothing less from Jen), and didn’t let go until I read the last word of the last line. This little gem kept me on my toes, and I really can’t assign one theme or another to it, which I love. Also, I will be framing ‘The Nomad’ from this book as soon as I possibly can. 15/10- run, don’t walk.

[S. Zapata · Rating 5 out of 5]

"For everyone who has ever felt like the world wanted to burn you alive". This is merely the dedication to this short but painfully sweet poetry book from J.R. Rogue. She once again poignantly writes our inner most feelings in powerful poems that make you have to take a deep breath before continuing on.

[Sarah Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

we are much sadder in poem form

Is one of my favorite lines from the poem inside “palatable”

“Vibrant chests” also made me feel so many things

Overall I loved each and every poem. They all touched my heart.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always loving your work, Rogue. This a smart and strong little Halloween collection. 🎃

[Chèri-Lee Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know I've said this many times and I hope at this point my word can be trusted! Jen's writing is awe inspiring. Every time I read something she writes it's like coming up for fresh air and this chapbook is no exception!

"you haunt & the corpse is all I see.

I want to make a home in the cage, no beating heart to warm me"

Every time I think her work couldn't possibly get any better, she releases a new book or a poetry collection and I am once again left speechless. This Witch left me breathless, each poem breathing life in to a new part of me. That's the point of art right? To bring forth change, to speak to your soul. That's exactly what this collection did, it spoke to my soul. If I could I'd give it 20 stars.

[Maryann Gestwicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

J.R. Rogue’s This Witch is a spellbinding collection that celebrates the power of inner magic and resilience. With fierce and evocative poetry, Rogue speaks to the witch within us all, encouraging us to embrace our strength, wield our words with purpose, and remain unapologetically ourselves.

This collection is both a reclamation of identity and a call to resist societal constraints. Each poem feels like an incantation, reminding readers to burn bright for themselves and never for others. This Witch is an empowering and enchanting read for anyone seeking poetry that ignites the soul.

Poems That I Liked: A Grimace Of Truth, So We Burn Her, This Witch, The Bonfire Brethren, The Skeleton Leaves, Incandescent Insecurities, Palatable, Nomad, Vibrant Chests, Poison Pens.

[AL · Rating 5 out of 5]

JR Rogue’s poetry always requires multiple rereads. Not because they’re difficult to understand but they shockingly yank out emotions you’ve stuffed down, thought you’d moved past but haven’t. You’re forced to be “in it” with her words, reminisce in them and how they relate to your circumstance and you end up a little less alone, no longer in fear of what you buried deep.

This collection felt like a confinement, a dark dwelling place. You sit in it quite a bit with these poems such as A Grimace In Truth but there are moments like Vibrant Chests to remind us of the light that’s on when we’re reading to walk out of the dark.

[lyndsey.jeannette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have suffered men like you, but I will not anymore.

Girl.
GIRL.

The first poem in this collection was heavy, and that last line hit me right in the gut. I have to admit that I’m not much of a poetry reader, but J. R. Rogue writes in a way that doesn’t feel like poetry, it just feels like…more beautiful and raw versions of truth? I don’t know if that even makes sense but that’s how it feels to me, even with her fictional books. I’ve always been a huge fan of her writing and this is no exception.

Thanks for the ARC!

[Melissa Orton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The dedication “For everyone who has ever felt like the world wanted to burn you alive” sets the stage for this collection. Fourteen poems encompassing insecurities in one’s self, false friendships, lost love, and feelings of unworthiness all beautifully written and relatable. I’ve reread this book about 5 times and my eye catches something different each read through. One of my favorite authors who has such a way with words.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Daniele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another collection of poems from J.R. Rogue that will leave you breathless, it’s hard to find the right words for This Witch - emotional, thought provoking, yes but then there’s is strength and power too. For when I read it, I felt like she was saying what many of us want to say, have said, need to say, Jen just gets it all out. It can punch you in the soul, it can open your eyes and it just make you feel that someone gets you. You will remember all the feels.

[Angela I. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very quick read.
I'm not a big reader of poems, but the subject and cover spoke to my inner witch.
I like the subject and the "women power" behind the words.
But I have a hard time reading poems and being immerse in them like a book. It's too short for me to really connect but some words and sentences spoke to me anyway.


I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Crystal Aguilar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet, but still as poignant as all of Jen's other chapbooks. Each poem makes you stop and think before continuing on, and stays in your head for quite a while. Definitely recommend!

Below is my favorite quote:

"you're all lips & desire,
& she cannot
stop being the wind,
the smoke in the air."

[Ashly · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I have suffered men
like you for centuries."

I adore all of Rogue's little, themed collections.

This limited edition one is a pleasantly spoopy collection of fourteen poems (why not thirteen?!) that was a fun addition to my October reading.

[Buttercup1201 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A series of poems that questions why can’t women be accepted for who they are. Constantly suffering at the hands of men. As always Rogue does an incredible job.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sweet-Unicorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is "this witch". It is an enjoyable book of witchy themed poems and would be great reading for any witch who loves poetry. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jess | bookrealmliving | · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful!

i have not read a book of poems before but i really loved this! it was so beautiful and i highlighted so many parts of it that i loved! it's a nice break in between books!

[Amber’s Book Nook · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to read till the end of October to be this considered it was a book about witches, but I decided to be early because I wanted to read on the short book. This was interesting, but wasn’t my favorite.

[Chasity · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really adored this collection. Rogue's writing never ceases to amaze me. The way she can evoke such emotions, it's amazing.

[Lindsey Domokur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.

I could have highlighted all of this book. All of it. I felt these words deep into my soul. Jen has a way with words I have not found anywhere else. Complete awe.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this! Salina, Vibrant Chests, and Poison Pens were my favorites. I just love J.R. Rogue’s poetry! She has such an amazing way with words.

[Jenny Jiménez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very touching

If you want a quick read but a good one at the same time, this is it. I truly recommend it

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this very much. Fantastic!

[Meenal · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

my favorite of hers so far!