Gathered here are the works of a diverse assembly of poets, each exploring the universal themes of birth, life, and death through their own uniquely shadowed lens. This haunting collection pays homage to the literary greats who have long tantalized us with their dark elegance and brooding beauty.
For those who revel in the works of Poe, the Brontës, and other masters of the macabre, CAW: Poetry by a Murder of Writers promises to captivate and enchant. Surrender to its spell, and let the poems transport you to a place where every heartbeat echoes with the mysteries of the night, and every word is a step deeper into the hauntingly beautiful unknown.
Stasha Strange (aka Stasha Powell) is a Pushcart Prize-nominated Cleveland-based poet, creative writing student, and advocate whose work explores identity, trauma, magic, and transformation through rich sensory detail and mythic undertones. Her writing has been featured across multiple literary spaces, and her debut anthology, CAW: Poetry by a Murder of Writers, showcases her signature blend of lyrical intensity and witchy atmosphere. Powell is currently pursuing a degree in Creative Writing with a concentration in Poetry and continues to build a growing body of work rooted in vulnerability, imagination, and fierce emotional clarity. Look for her full length debut poetry book Comfort Chaos coming in 2026.
Absolutely beautiful and just a little haunting. So many incredible poems about life, trauma, and the human experience. As an added bonus purchasing a copy raises funds for the OH bird sanctuary! 10/10 would recommend!
An emotionally moving collection of poetry which stirred up memories of old dreams, disappointments, pains and longings. I’m sure I will return again to these pages and each time find a new awakening.
Sometimes I turn to poetry to recharge, especially when I crave something dark and atmospheric. So, when I came across Caw - The Anthology of Gothic Poetry by Murder of Writers, I knew I had to give it a try. This macabre collection, with its eerie mood reminiscent of Edgar Allan Poe, did not disappoint. It dives deep into themes of birth, life, and death, with each poem carrying a sense of rebellion and ominous power that resonated with me.
Among the poets, two stood out. Tara Vanflower’s pieces—"Aine – Birth," "Macha – Life," and "The Morrigan – Death"—captured me with their melodic prose. Her short, rhythmic sentences build tension beautifully, giving each poem a unique, powerful melody. Michael Cunliffe’s "5 Reflections" series was equally memorable, with each stanza ending on a thought-provoking question, inviting deeper reflection on the human condition, experience, and impermanence.
The anthology as a whole is dark, eerie, and emotionally charged, capturing the gothic essence perfectly. Every poem felt carefully crafted, delivering exactly what I hoped for—a satisfying exploration of life’s darker aspects. If you're looking for a haunting, thought-provoking read, especially as Halloween approaches, Caw is the perfect choice. It left me craving more and was an absolute delight to read.
I was given an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The stunning cover of "Caw - Poetry By a Murder of Writers" is impressive, but only a glimpse of the rich tapestry of voices inside this poetry anthology. Divided into the poignant themes of Birth, Life, and Death, this book showcases a diverse array of poets who lay their souls bare on every page. Each poem is like fine chocolate—meant to be savored slowly—but I found myself irresistibly drawn to devour every word. This book is a must-have for any poetry collection.
CAW is a delicious combination of madness, sorrow, strength and healing. It has been my greatest honour to be part of this anthology among so many amazing people. 🖤