needle teeth

by Thea Taylor

From the dawn of humanity to wailing modernism, "needle teeth" examines the cannibalistic tendencies of love. Utilizing personal experiences and observations, Taylor constructs a plethora of gothic-toned poems capturing the ways in which humanity has tainted romance. Falling victim to fear and insecurity, man mimes the pain, creating a domino effect of bad habits. In an attempt to survive, we become the very same beasts, mangling the greatest act of existence: love.

92 pages, ebook

Published January 11, 2026

Reviews

[Thea Taylor]

I almost didn't publish this book. It felt too jagged and ferocious. Angrier than any project that's come out of my depressive spells. It's not often I worry about over-sharing or fear judgement with my writing, but with NEEDLE TEETH, I wondered what people would think upon reading these poems, wound so tightly in broken hearts and barbed wire.

But after time, healing, hurt, and growth, I considered there was strength in sharing work that poured out of two particularly transformative years of my life – navigating adult relationships, so soon broken; long-term friendships withering in a blink of ash; understanding new ways of vulnerability and care by learning the best and worst parts of myself.

I've said NEEDLE TEETH is an examination in the ways in which love brings out the monstrous qualities of humans. However, it is in recognizing the ugly and grotesque, we are able to make a choice to rot or grow. Become the thorns of the rose, or the silken petals that bees dream of.

I hope NEEDLE TEETH finds you well, as it upheld me through some hard times.