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Belly of the Beast
“Into the Belly of the Beast we crawl with Ashe as our guide; into the dark visceral spaces where love, lust, descent and desire work their transformative magic and we find ourselves utterly altered in the reading. A truly gifted poet and truth-spiller, Ashe’s metaphors create images within images, leading us to question the subjective truths, both shared and hidden, in personal relationship – to the other, and to oneself. Unflinching in her approach, her poetry gives voice to that which most struggle to admit – even if only to themselves. And as such, Belly of the Beast is a work of startling courage and rich depth – a darkly delicious pleasure.” —Amy Palko
“It isn’t often you find a book of poetry that is as unapologetic, as violent, as moving as this one. Ashe’s writing is intense and visceral. You feel the punch in your gut while you’re reading, but you don’t question it. You know why it’s there and you almost welcome it.” —Caitlyn Siehl
“The poems you are about to encounter are the fierce time capsules of girlhood, girded with sharp elbows, surprise kisses, the meanders of wanderlust. We need voices this strong, this true for the singing reminds us that we are not alone, that someone, somewhere is listening for the faint pulse that is our wish to be seen. Grab hold, this voice will be with us forever.” —RA Washington
“It isn’t often you find a book of poetry that is as unapologetic, as violent, as moving as this one. Ashe’s writing is intense and visceral. You feel the punch in your gut while you’re reading, but you don’t question it. You know why it’s there and you almost welcome it.” —Caitlyn Siehl
“The poems you are about to encounter are the fierce time capsules of girlhood, girded with sharp elbows, surprise kisses, the meanders of wanderlust. We need voices this strong, this true for the singing reminds us that we are not alone, that someone, somewhere is listening for the faint pulse that is our wish to be seen. Grab hold, this voice will be with us forever.” —RA Washington
82 pages, Paperback
First published September 23, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 4, 2016
This book was read for the #readwomen month.
It has been a while since I have read such alluring metaphors, that spill images from the words, and show illusory truths. These poems will pierce your being, ad then will appease them, only to bore into you once more.
This is the story of how I never stopped running.
This is the story of how,
when the wolves knocked,
I met them at the door
and I became the beast, instead.
These are poems to encourage affection between strangers, poems for those that feel worthless even thought they are not, for those that dream big but have achieved little and yet keep trying. These are poems for all of us, and to those ready to begin the journey.
It has been a while since I have read such alluring metaphors, that spill images from the words, and show illusory truths. These poems will pierce your being, ad then will appease them, only to bore into you once more.
This is the story of how I never stopped running.
This is the story of how,
when the wolves knocked,
I met them at the door
and I became the beast, instead.
These are poems to encourage affection between strangers, poems for those that feel worthless even thought they are not, for those that dream big but have achieved little and yet keep trying. These are poems for all of us, and to those ready to begin the journey.
September 28, 2016
These poems are raw and brutal, spanning many themes concerning interpersonal relationships. Some of these poems I loved, but some I only liked. This came close to my favorite kind of poetry, which is beautifully written, relatively short length, with fairy tale or mythology themes that deeply discuss psychology.
February 19, 2015
I don't write reviews often but because Ashe is lesser known and I also really enjoyed this I am writing one.
Belly of the Beast is this book of poems. That you can tell easily. But the metaphors it's filled with and the amount of positive energy radiating from it cannot be seen at first glance. It is the kind of poetry I will read all day and reread over and over until I can absorb the words into my bones. It starts off strong with Little Red and nearly falls down a rabbit hole of stories. What spoke most to me was the amount of positive feelings I got from reading this. Even with imagery of broken teeth and more, you know this book is all about strength and being strong, intelligent, beautiful, and loved.
Belly of the Beast is this book of poems. That you can tell easily. But the metaphors it's filled with and the amount of positive energy radiating from it cannot be seen at first glance. It is the kind of poetry I will read all day and reread over and over until I can absorb the words into my bones. It starts off strong with Little Red and nearly falls down a rabbit hole of stories. What spoke most to me was the amount of positive feelings I got from reading this. Even with imagery of broken teeth and more, you know this book is all about strength and being strong, intelligent, beautiful, and loved.
February 28, 2018
instagram-poetry run amok.
i have kept this book as the book that i compare every new-age collection of poems to. i found it absolutely horrible. instagram poetry inspired by bukowski, whiskey, stars, "wild"-ness, and the like. the consistent abuse of metaphor after metaphor after metaphor--none of them actually braided into one another to leave you with a consensus of richness to walk away with.
this was a horrible read and you damn right i'm looking at anyone and everyone who enjoyed it... with a squinty ass left eye; you cannot be trusted.
i have kept this book as the book that i compare every new-age collection of poems to. i found it absolutely horrible. instagram poetry inspired by bukowski, whiskey, stars, "wild"-ness, and the like. the consistent abuse of metaphor after metaphor after metaphor--none of them actually braided into one another to leave you with a consensus of richness to walk away with.
this was a horrible read and you damn right i'm looking at anyone and everyone who enjoyed it... with a squinty ass left eye; you cannot be trusted.
October 15, 2016
This is the first poetry book I've ever read.
And, it was AMAZIINGGG! Usually, I'm not really into poetry. But, the poems in this book were deep, yet still provided very clear imagery to follow along with the context of the poems.
The title Belly of the Beast refers to when a person is in the thick of a bad situation. All the poems in this book are dark and gritty, all of them referring to the unhealthy obsessive aspects of human love, sex, and relationships. I don't have the book with me anymore but I remember the very first or second poem was about prostitution and the narrator of the poem expressed her love for being a prostitute.
The second half of the book has very strong feminist undertones, which is great, because they do the job of bringing to light a lot of the hidden sexism in our everyday society, and not just from a female perspective either.
It was a quick read I finished it in a day. Oh, and the only reason I gave it a four stars is because a lot of the poems are a bit repetitive, but other than that they were still immensely enjoyable.
And, it was AMAZIINGGG! Usually, I'm not really into poetry. But, the poems in this book were deep, yet still provided very clear imagery to follow along with the context of the poems.
The title Belly of the Beast refers to when a person is in the thick of a bad situation. All the poems in this book are dark and gritty, all of them referring to the unhealthy obsessive aspects of human love, sex, and relationships. I don't have the book with me anymore but I remember the very first or second poem was about prostitution and the narrator of the poem expressed her love for being a prostitute.
The second half of the book has very strong feminist undertones, which is great, because they do the job of bringing to light a lot of the hidden sexism in our everyday society, and not just from a female perspective either.
It was a quick read I finished it in a day. Oh, and the only reason I gave it a four stars is because a lot of the poems are a bit repetitive, but other than that they were still immensely enjoyable.
July 21, 2017
Ashe Vernon is a poet who inspires me to truly take pride in my craft more and more. This girl is, simply put, a raw, visceral, wellspring of talent and I am always careful to go through her collections as slowly as possible. The words are just that delicious.
November 24, 2016
I really wanted to love this but the same imagery over and over, same idea repeated, got stale. It felt like I just kept reading the same poem. There was very little freshness in this.
September 26, 2017
LOVED this collection of poetry! Sharp and bloody and harrowing.
April 26, 2015
This is an amazing book from an amazing poet. She is brave beyond belief and unwavering in her pursuit of the truth of the inside of our feelings. We don't have to stand naked on the stage to explore the raw side of the emotional condition of growing up because Ashe does it for us. Ultimately this is a small book packed full of compassion, love and acceptance of all of the tender,sore, and vulnerable insides of us. Ashe opens her arms and her heart to enfold us in acceptance, love and tenderness. She is that rich warm safe haven, that names all the hurts, but affirms her ultimate message to all the fragile."you are worth it, you are strong, you are enough and you can and will survive
Hang in there, we have each other's back and we will survive and it will get better. LOve yourself,you are special and strong"
These poems may overtly seem to be for the young and uncertain poised at the beginning of life's journey, but it also speaks to that perpetual youth that still lurks "in the belly" of us all You know the one that whispers to you that you will be the wallflower at the party; if people knew your fears,secrets and differences, no one would love you. This poet says to drag that beast into the sun, and meet everyone else's beast and love them all. The poet is at the beginning of what should be an incredible journey and I want to go too.
This is not poetry as you knew it in Literature class. This is raw poetry for right now, today. Dare yourself to open the book of this and the other poets to be found today. You will be awed, astounded. YOur scabs will be ripped off but the healing will begin.
Hang in there, we have each other's back and we will survive and it will get better. LOve yourself,you are special and strong"
These poems may overtly seem to be for the young and uncertain poised at the beginning of life's journey, but it also speaks to that perpetual youth that still lurks "in the belly" of us all You know the one that whispers to you that you will be the wallflower at the party; if people knew your fears,secrets and differences, no one would love you. This poet says to drag that beast into the sun, and meet everyone else's beast and love them all. The poet is at the beginning of what should be an incredible journey and I want to go too.
This is not poetry as you knew it in Literature class. This is raw poetry for right now, today. Dare yourself to open the book of this and the other poets to be found today. You will be awed, astounded. YOur scabs will be ripped off but the healing will begin.
May 12, 2016
This is possibly the best poetry collection I've read this year, if not ever. The poems are beautiful. I think my favourites are House of Athena, Small Hands for Moving Mountains, and Bec and His Boy.
September 28, 2016
I got very lucky and Miss Amanda center decided to read this out loud to me over voxer it was absolutely a wonderful experience. I liked 85% of the poems and the rest I loved. Not a single one made me unhappy. Very raw open and emotional wonderful collection. Pick up if you have a chance.
3.5/4
3.5/4
February 2, 2025
Wow. Many of the poems in this book speak to me on so many levels. Beautiful!
April 22, 2016
She has an incredible voice and it really shines through in this collection. Each word has a purpose, and she strings them together beautifully. 10/10.
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October 17, 2016811.6 V539b 2014
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October 31, 2016this book hits home. the pages will leave you shivering. a stunning read.
July 10, 2022
Recommended by: Batya
November 3, 2021
The beautiful gritty violence of this poetry is exactly the kind of soul balm I am always looking for in poetry. Forever an all time favorite, I need to read more Ashe Vernon.
July 3, 2018
would definitely reread. some of the poems were a miss for me but most of them for wonderful. ugh feral and myth and fairy tale imagery. beasts and loves (and not loving). thanks for hitting so many of my favorite themes.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews