Melancholia: A Book of Dark Poetry

by Sumiko Saulson

Dark rhymes and deep thoughts send you on a dive through the void as you read this intensely personal poetry collection. Melancholia will send you into worlds both beyond and within, opening your eyes to truths often left untold in this world and challenging you with the harsh realities and injustices of life, without abandoning the darkly comforting magic that can be found in the shadows.

73 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 14, 2024

About the author

Sumiko Saulson (ze/hir) is a 2x Bram Stoker Nominated and Elgin Nominated poet, graphic novelist, zinemaker, and an award-winning author of Afrosurrealist and multicultural sci-fi and horror. Editor of the Black Magic Women, Scry of Lust, Scry of Lust 2, Black Celebration, and Wickedly Abled. Winner of the StokerCon Scholarship from Hell (2016), 2nd Place Carry the Light Awards (2016, 2017 and 2018) for short fiction, essays and blogging. Mixy Award (2017). BCC Voice Grand Prize Reframing the Other Essay Contest (2017), Afrosurrealist Writer Award (2018). Semifinalist: HorrorAddicts Next Great Horror Writer’s Contest, (2018). Horror Writers Association Diversity Grant (2020).

Member, Horror Writers Association.

AA in English from Berkeley City College. Staff writer, Search Magazine. Proofreader, Mocha Memoirs Press. Columnist (“Writing While Black”) for The San Francisco BayView. Host, Leather and LGBTQ Cultural District’s Erotic Storytelling Hour. Social Media Team, Horror Writers Association.

Novels: Solitude, The Moon Cried Blood, Warmth. Short fiction collections Things That Go Bump in My Head, The Void between Emotions, Spit and Pathos and Within Me Without Me

Short works in anthologies: Horror Addicts Guide to Cats (Horror Addicts Guide), Ashes and Coffee (Death’s Café), Enclosures (Tales from the Lake, Vol 3), Jacob’s Reunion (Forever Vacancy), Clockwork Valentine (Clockwork Wonderland) Sweetness (Beasts and Babes), Agrippa (Carry the Light, Vol 5), Character Flaws (Carry the Light, Vol 5), Under the Water (Horror Bites Next Great Horror Writer, Horror Addicts), Unheard Music in the Dank Underground (Tales from the Campfire), Shades of Domesticity (Horror Writers Association Poetry Showcase Volume VII), Asi’s Horror and Delight (Slay: Tales of the Vampire Noire)

Graphic novels: Agrippa, Dreamworlds, Living a Lie (illustrator), The Complete Mauskaveli.

An American author of African American and Ashkenazi Jewish heritage. Native Californian, living in Oakland, California. Pronouns: ze/hir or they/them. Find hir on social media at sumikoska (Twitter, Facebook, Tik-Tok), sumikosaulson (Instagram), skavibe (Twitch) and www.SumikoSaulson.com

Reviews

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read some excellent short stories by Sumiko Saulson in anthologies, and have always enjoyed the writing style and voice. I knew I wanted to experience more of Sumiko's words, so when I saw this gorgeous cover by Ruth Anna Evans on a book of poetry, I figured this would be a great place to start. I was absolutely right.

I've always found it difficult to review books of poetry. Not because I don't enjoy them. It is such a personal form of art, I don't feel right commenting on anything other than how it made me feel while I was reading. And in this collection, I felt A LOT! Joy, sadness, anger, heaviness, and even a little horniness. The writing is deep, dark and affecting. I enjoyed it immensely, and would highly recommend to anyone that enjoys their poetry on the dark side.

[Kimyona Dietter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't read enough poetry to give justice to any book of poetry. Many times, I miss the point and get lost in flashy words. This was the case with this collection, but I kept going. I was not disappointed.

From what I got, this collection is filled with social commentary on gender, sexual identity, politics/politicians, inner musings, and self contemplation. It's deep, dark, and delving. The answers are not from Saulson, but from the reader.

I found rhythmic prose and chaotic verses. There's a lot of playing with time between the words for effect. Together, they make living modern art.

What I forgot to emphasize earlier is the darkness of the poetry. Many times Saulson questions sanity. Hers, yours, society's, and mine, but it goes darker. There's a lot of grotesque imagery aiding the commentary. One because why not. Some of the best descriptions contain a vile and visceral element. Second because this is the medium Saulson feels at home. Comfortable in the surroundings to "level" with the reader and give the raw and honest truth.

This was a fascinating read. It took me a bit to get into the flow, but once I was in I was hooked.

[Carleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this collection of poems! While largely dark as the title would already suggest, the poetry still makes you feel a range of emotions. Having never read Sumiko’s work before, when it opened on a more emotional reflective manner, I did not expect the range of fantasy topics covered as well. Having the various topics sprinkled around throughout really takes the reader on a journey and lets you digest everything serious, real, and weighty in between the more whimsical dark poetry. I look forward to reading more works by Sumiko!

[T.S.S. Fulk · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea. Your milage may vary.