The Occupation

by Jay McCoy

In these formally assured, richly alive poems, Jay McCoy shows us the body untamed, ‘brimming / with sweat’ and ‘musk-ripe,’ driven by hunger and need, slipping beyond will and art. I admire these poems for their candor, their exuberant lyricism, their grief, their vibrant, queer vernacular. The Occupation marks the arrival of a brave new voice in American poetry.
—Garth Greenwell

36 pages, Paperback

Published January 15, 2016

Reviews

[John Chafin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book of poems by Jay McCoy is phenomenal. The poetry is raw, vulnerable, and powerful. McCoy’s usage of rhetorical devices creates close reads that are layered in complexity and meaning. Specifically, he utilizes alliteration, imagery, and particularly the line change exceptionally well. His rhythm made me feel like we were dancing together simultaneously in a ballroom and a seedy after hours club. His voice is truly representative of both the modern queer and yesterday’s gay. This is great LGBTQ writing that’s multi-deminsional. McCoy tackles subjects as wide varying as love, food, and death. The poems will take you on a very special journey.

[Melissa Helton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection holds our hand and takes us on a journey of being diagnosed with and living with HIV. The poems are tender and harsh in the same breath. A gorgeous and important book.

[TA Inskeep · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Wow. Short poems, a short collection, but intense impact.