Newsworthy: Poems

by Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton

Newsworthy wrestles with living in a culture infected by white supremacy where current media is distrusted, cursory, and impossible to escape. And yet, we yearn to know. We crave a thoughtfulness--apart from soundbites and viral videos--that plumbs deeper, one that reawakens our shared humanity by reminding us that under headlines beat all of our "pierced hearts."

A leading light in the new poetic guard, Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton's collection is a poetic reimagining of the newspaper, collecting cutouts from the editing floor to resurrect those who would otherwise be forgotten. Not content to further sensationalize the horrors perpetrated on Black Americans by a broken justice system, Mouton boldly relays stories of police brutality by reinventing poetic form and function, reminding us that wisdom, context, and every angle of truth is what infuses information with elucidation.

Akin to An American Marriage, Newsworthy grounds the fragility and danger inherent in contemporary Black experience in an "ordinary" family: mother, father, brother (Josh), and sister (Amandla), following their near and lived tragedies against the backdrop of murdered black Americans. Amandla serves as a surrogate for all of us, regardless of skin color, morphing from naive bystander to headline herself. Alongside her, we witness the exponential compilation of threat. We learn to conceive of dread, anger, compassion, suffering, and love as survival tactics. And we uncover what we should have seen all along: that to be human in the world is to rectify its injustices. With Newsworthy, Mouton brings us news of the heart.

Genres: Poetry

84 pages, Paperback

Published April 22, 2019

About the author

Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton is an internationally-recognized performance poet, playwright, director, and the first Black Poet Laureate of Houston. Author of the 2019 Poetry Collection Newsworthy (Bloomsday Literary), her genre-bending poetry has engendered unconventional collaborations with groups as disparate as the Houston Rockets and the Houston Ballet. Her work has been featured by Glamour, NPR, the BBC, ESPN, and the TEDx circuit. Her most notable productions include Marian's Song (Houston Grand Opera, 2020) & Plumshuga: The Rise of Lauren Anderson, (Stages, 2022).
Her most recent memoir, Black Chameleon (Henry Holt & Co) reflects on her journey as a Black American Woman and the mythology that guided her along the way.

Reviews

[Chandra Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book of poetry when visiting Dallas a few years ago. I found it in an indie bookshop. I FINALLY read it today and was blown away by the creative styling, the writing, and the cultural insights. The book description states that “Newsworthy wrestles with living in a culture infected by white supremacy where current media is distrusted [...] And yet, we yearn to know.” This description is spot on! Deborah D.E.E.P Mouton is a phenomenal poet and I know I will be returning back to her poems again and again.

[Cindy Newton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant poet! I was honored to meet her and hear her read some of the poems from this book. Very thought-provoking.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will not be the only time I read this collection. Newsworthy is the sort of work you want to leave out so it’s easy to pick up again and again as a reminder. One reading is simply not enough. Found myself holding my breath in waiting as Mouton brilliantly connected events words feelings and lives. Found myself at the end of many pieces heavy with the fullness of her words.

[Clio Lang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping read, some of my favorite poems is Jordan, Filter and Bird. The title speaks for itself; for many POC that have untold similar experiences. The wordplay and abstract creativity will blow your mind.
Mouton is an amazing writer!

[Micole Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a powerful and poetic statement about the world around us...

[Hyphenista · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite poems are Personal Effects and Freak Show Station. A brilliant and moving portrayal.

[Annette Lucksinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heavy, thoughtful, insightful and masterfully written.

[Chantal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so relevant to our times and discussion today. She poetically paints pictures of the deep rooted fear that so many people live with daily. It is emotional and provocative. Definitely a worthwhile read and call to action.