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Grabbed: Poets & Writers on Sexual Assault, Empowerment & Healing
A gender-inclusive anthology of poetry and prose that addresses the physical and psychological act of being “grabbed,” or in any way assaulted.
The #MeToo movement, the infamous Access Hollywood tape, and the depraved and hypocritical actions of celebrities, politicians, CEOs, and other powerful people have caused people all over the nation to speak out in outrage, to express allegiance for the victims of these assaults, and to raise their voices against a culture that has allowed this behavior to continue for too long.
The editors asked writers and poets to add to the conversation about what being “grabbed” means to them in their own experience or in whatever way the word “grabbed” inspired them. What they received are often searing, heart-rending works, ranging in topic from sexual misconduct to racial injustice, from an unwanted caress to rape, expressed in powerful, beautifully crafted prose and poetry.
The writers represented here, some very well known, such as Rita Dove, Jericho Brown, Eileen Miles, Ana Menendez and Sapphire, as well as some newer voices not yet fully discovered, have mined their collective experiences to reveal their most vulnerable moments, and in some cases, to narrate moments that they have had previously been unwilling or unable to speak of. What results is a collection of emotional, hard-hitting pieces that speak to the aftermath of violation—whether mental, emotional, or physical.
The #MeToo movement, the infamous Access Hollywood tape, and the depraved and hypocritical actions of celebrities, politicians, CEOs, and other powerful people have caused people all over the nation to speak out in outrage, to express allegiance for the victims of these assaults, and to raise their voices against a culture that has allowed this behavior to continue for too long.
The editors asked writers and poets to add to the conversation about what being “grabbed” means to them in their own experience or in whatever way the word “grabbed” inspired them. What they received are often searing, heart-rending works, ranging in topic from sexual misconduct to racial injustice, from an unwanted caress to rape, expressed in powerful, beautifully crafted prose and poetry.
The writers represented here, some very well known, such as Rita Dove, Jericho Brown, Eileen Miles, Ana Menendez and Sapphire, as well as some newer voices not yet fully discovered, have mined their collective experiences to reveal their most vulnerable moments, and in some cases, to narrate moments that they have had previously been unwilling or unable to speak of. What results is a collection of emotional, hard-hitting pieces that speak to the aftermath of violation—whether mental, emotional, or physical.
240 pages, Paperback
First published October 6, 2020
14 people are currently reading
1230 people want to read
About the author
Richard Blanco
66 books232 followersRichard Blanco was born in Madrid in 1968, immigrating as an infant with his Cuban-exile family to the U.S. He was raised and educated in Miami, earning a B.S. in civil engineering and a M.F.A. in creative writing from Florida International University.
In 2013, Blanco was chosen to serve as the fifth inaugural poet of the United States, following in the footsteps as such great writers as Robert Frost and Maya Angelou. Blanco performed One Today, an original poem he wrote for the occasion, becoming the youngest, first Latino, immigrant and openly gay writer to hold the honor.
Following the inauguration, he continued connecting communities through occasional poetry. He has written and performed occasional poems for such organizations as Freedom to Marry, the Tech Awards and the Fragrance Awards. In May of 2013, Blanco wrote Boston Strong, a poem he performed at the Boston Garden Benefit Concert and at a Red Sox game at Fenway. Following his performances, he released a limited edition Boston Strong chapbook, with all proceeds going to those most affected by the Boston Marathon bombings.
His books, in order of publication, are: City of a Hundred Fires (1998), Directions to the Beach of the Dead (2005), Looking for the Gulf Motel (2012), One Today (2013), Boston Strong (2013), and For All of Us, One Today: An Inaugural Poet’s Journey (2013).
Blanco has received numerous honors for his writings and performances, including an honorary doctorate from Macalester College and being named a Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellow. His first book, City of a Hundred Fires received the prestigious Agnes Starrett Poetry Prize. His second book, Directions to the Beach of the Dead won the PEN / American Beyond Margins Award. His third book, Looking for The Gulf Motel received various accolades, including the Tom Gunn Award, the Maine Literary Award and the Paterson Prize. His poems have appeared in countless literary journals and anthologies, including Best American Prose Poems and Ploughshares.
Blanco has been a practicing engineer, writer and poet since 1991. He has traveled extensively in his adult life, living and working throughout Europe and South America. He has taught at Georgetown University, American University, Writer’s Center and Central Connecticut State University. Blanco currently lives and writes in the tranquil mountains of Bethel, Maine.
In 2013, Blanco was chosen to serve as the fifth inaugural poet of the United States, following in the footsteps as such great writers as Robert Frost and Maya Angelou. Blanco performed One Today, an original poem he wrote for the occasion, becoming the youngest, first Latino, immigrant and openly gay writer to hold the honor.
Following the inauguration, he continued connecting communities through occasional poetry. He has written and performed occasional poems for such organizations as Freedom to Marry, the Tech Awards and the Fragrance Awards. In May of 2013, Blanco wrote Boston Strong, a poem he performed at the Boston Garden Benefit Concert and at a Red Sox game at Fenway. Following his performances, he released a limited edition Boston Strong chapbook, with all proceeds going to those most affected by the Boston Marathon bombings.
His books, in order of publication, are: City of a Hundred Fires (1998), Directions to the Beach of the Dead (2005), Looking for the Gulf Motel (2012), One Today (2013), Boston Strong (2013), and For All of Us, One Today: An Inaugural Poet’s Journey (2013).
Blanco has received numerous honors for his writings and performances, including an honorary doctorate from Macalester College and being named a Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellow. His first book, City of a Hundred Fires received the prestigious Agnes Starrett Poetry Prize. His second book, Directions to the Beach of the Dead won the PEN / American Beyond Margins Award. His third book, Looking for The Gulf Motel received various accolades, including the Tom Gunn Award, the Maine Literary Award and the Paterson Prize. His poems have appeared in countless literary journals and anthologies, including Best American Prose Poems and Ploughshares.
Blanco has been a practicing engineer, writer and poet since 1991. He has traveled extensively in his adult life, living and working throughout Europe and South America. He has taught at Georgetown University, American University, Writer’s Center and Central Connecticut State University. Blanco currently lives and writes in the tranquil mountains of Bethel, Maine.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 4, 2022
Grabbed was gripping from start to finish. As a survivor, I felt so seen in these poems and essays, having direct proof that my experiences and feelings are shared. While gripping and raw, the book was not overwhelming or triggering in the slightest, with heavier works being spread out between lighter ones in a way that wasn't overwhelming but was still very engaging. I'm so thankful that this book exists, and grateful to the writers who put their whole selves into this project.
(Highly recommend reading this book in the bath via candlelight, it was a beautiful experience)
(Highly recommend reading this book in the bath via candlelight, it was a beautiful experience)
June 28, 2023
“really know—that the shame isn’t yours to carry anymore.
And that it never was.”
The shame isn’t ours to carry anymore. It’s such a powerful statement, and it holds every truth in the statement itself.
This book was graciously honest in every way, each short story left me distraught in a way I didn’t understand at first. Each story was jarring in a way, not even the details but how much I related to it and how I wished I hadn’t.
Thank you. To the authors, the survivors.
“Your tears are for hope, for love. And for healing”.
And that it never was.”
The shame isn’t ours to carry anymore. It’s such a powerful statement, and it holds every truth in the statement itself.
This book was graciously honest in every way, each short story left me distraught in a way I didn’t understand at first. Each story was jarring in a way, not even the details but how much I related to it and how I wished I hadn’t.
Thank you. To the authors, the survivors.
“Your tears are for hope, for love. And for healing”.
June 5, 2022
H E A V Y. there’s a reason it took me so long to read. it was so good though oh my goodness.
May 26, 2021
It bothers me when poetry and essays are included together because, for me, reading either requires a unique headspace. Because so many pieces are included here, the power of each is diluted. The stories are wrenching and deserve more space.
January 14, 2021
Grabbed: Poets & Writers on Sexual Assault, Empowerment, & Healing
I There were a few entries in this anthology that I loved, but I didn’t vibe with a majority of the works. The stand outs include: Zoe Welch, Kelly Sundberg, Marge Piercy, Hari Ziyad, and Debra Dean. As for the others, most just simply didn’t grasp or move me personally, but a few use phrases and language that shouldn’t be used when speaking about sexual violence.
2/5⭐️
I There were a few entries in this anthology that I loved, but I didn’t vibe with a majority of the works. The stand outs include: Zoe Welch, Kelly Sundberg, Marge Piercy, Hari Ziyad, and Debra Dean. As for the others, most just simply didn’t grasp or move me personally, but a few use phrases and language that shouldn’t be used when speaking about sexual violence.
2/5⭐️
February 13, 2021
I am so very glad I read this book. The poems, the very brief essays in this are powerful and important. They name something that it is important not to hide, but to see. These stories, in few words, provide witnesses to the practical, painful, damaging work that humans (mostly men) do to others. What a read.
July 12, 2021
This is a collection of poems and stories of personal experiences of sexual assault. The poems and stories were saddening, empowering, and inspirational all at the same time. If anyone is searching for their courage or are navigating life as a survivor of sexual assault, this collection is definitely a book to pick up and read.
December 28, 2022
this straddles the line perfectly between instagram poetry and kind of obscure poetry, i think. it's a great read if you're in the mindspace for it; some poems and short memoirs can be triggering. just like any anthology, there were standouts and there were disappointments, but overall i think this was a worthy read.
April 3, 2023
This was a heavy read, for sure. I did have to put down the book a few times due to some heaviness, but I did expect that. As for the poetry and writings within, it was honestly well written from many writers and their own stories. The word "grabbed" and what it means to someone varies and this book shares it!
January 16, 2023
This was such a heavy read.
September 12, 2024
a quick read but the subject matter was so heavy and emotional i had to take so many breaks
June 15, 2025
Fabulous anthology. So timely.
December 6, 2025
This is for the most part a very strong and wrenching anthology, with some excellent poems in it.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews