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I am Disgusting: Poetry for a Movement
I am Disgusting is not poetry for the squeamish, the prudish, or the easily offended. Jeff hilariously sets jokes about bodily functions, carnal activates, and other struggles of daily life to meter, rhyme, Shakespearian sonnet, and haiku form. If it is secreted from the body, or illegal to show in public, it’s the stuff that good poetry is made of.
47 pages, Paperback
Published March 7, 2020
2 people are currently reading
815 people want to read
About the author
Jeff McCarley
5 books37 followersJeff is a turd who loves to write about his people and their origins, and who aspires to one day author more toilet paper than any other writer. He can be spotted in public on the sidewalk, or on someone’s shoe, and he has been known to make appearances in public pools, or in a flaming paper bag on your doorstep. Jeff is married to an awesome woman and has a great daughter who step around him as he festers in Southern California and bakes in the sun, hardening.
jeff.mccarley.author@gmail.com
jeff.mccarley.author@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 12, 2020
This book is definitely not for the weak stomached! Definitely an amusing and embarrassingly relatable book at times! 😂
Overall it was very good, but be warned when beginning this book if you are easily offended or disturbed by defecation or anything similar!
Overall it was very good, but be warned when beginning this book if you are easily offended or disturbed by defecation or anything similar!
May 23, 2020
Witty,crass,hilarious and not for those with a weak stomach LOL. This one cracked me up and working in healthcare and having seen a lot through the years, this book gave me some new things to think about. Keeping this one around for a quick laugh when needed. Pick this one up during this pandemic to keep some sanity and amusement! I won this book in a goodreads giveaway, thank you!
May 11, 2020
Won as a goodreads giveaway...
Witty and crass-exactly as expected. 🤣
Witty and crass-exactly as expected. 🤣
April 14, 2026
Going into this, I expected something random and thrown together, just shock humor for the sake of it. But after reading through the collection, it’s clear that nothing here is accidental.
Yes, the subject matter is outrageous. Yes, it’s crude, repetitive in theme, and sometimes downright absurd. But underneath that, there’s a writer who clearly understands rhythm, structure, and how to control a reader’s reaction.
Even the simplest pieces, like the haikus, are timed in a way that delivers a punchline cleanly and effectively. And when the author stretches into longer works like “The Craven,” you start to see layers: pacing, escalation, even a kind of chaotic storytelling that keeps you locked in.
What I appreciated most is that the book never loses confidence. It knows exactly what it is, and it never tries to be anything else. That kind of commitment is rare.
This isn’t “beautiful” poetry. It’s not meant to be.
But it is crafted, intentional, and strangely compelling.
If you’re open to something completely unconventional, and you don’t mind humor that goes way past the line, this is actually a very unique reading experience.
Yes, the subject matter is outrageous. Yes, it’s crude, repetitive in theme, and sometimes downright absurd. But underneath that, there’s a writer who clearly understands rhythm, structure, and how to control a reader’s reaction.
Even the simplest pieces, like the haikus, are timed in a way that delivers a punchline cleanly and effectively. And when the author stretches into longer works like “The Craven,” you start to see layers: pacing, escalation, even a kind of chaotic storytelling that keeps you locked in.
What I appreciated most is that the book never loses confidence. It knows exactly what it is, and it never tries to be anything else. That kind of commitment is rare.
This isn’t “beautiful” poetry. It’s not meant to be.
But it is crafted, intentional, and strangely compelling.
If you’re open to something completely unconventional, and you don’t mind humor that goes way past the line, this is actually a very unique reading experience.
April 14, 2026
I picked this up expecting nothing more than juvenile humor, and yes, on the surface, that’s absolutely what you get. But what surprised me is how intentional it all feels. This isn’t just random vulgarity thrown onto a page. There’s structure, rhythm, and even a kind of twisted philosophical consistency behind it.
Take something like “Ode to Poop”, it’s ridiculous, obviously, but it’s also weirdly reflective about something as universal and human as bodily function. It almost dares you to admit that we all experience this, but no one talks about it.
And then you get pieces like “The Elegance of Limitations,” where the author suddenly shifts gears and reminds you that he actually understands poetry deeply. That contrast hit me the most, the guy clearly can write serious, traditional poetry, but chooses to channel that skill into something intentionally absurd.
It’s crude, offensive, immature… and honestly, kind of brilliant in its own lane. You don’t read this for elegance, you read it for boldness. And it absolutely commits.
Take something like “Ode to Poop”, it’s ridiculous, obviously, but it’s also weirdly reflective about something as universal and human as bodily function. It almost dares you to admit that we all experience this, but no one talks about it.
And then you get pieces like “The Elegance of Limitations,” where the author suddenly shifts gears and reminds you that he actually understands poetry deeply. That contrast hit me the most, the guy clearly can write serious, traditional poetry, but chooses to channel that skill into something intentionally absurd.
It’s crude, offensive, immature… and honestly, kind of brilliant in its own lane. You don’t read this for elegance, you read it for boldness. And it absolutely commits.
April 14, 2026
I kept telling myself I’d just read one or two pieces and stop, but this book has a strange momentum to it. You finish one poem thinking, “What did I just read?”… and then immediately move on to the next just to see how much further it’s willing to go.
And it always goes further.
What really stood out to me is how fearless the writing is. There’s no hesitation, no attempt to soften anything, it just fully leans into its identity. Poems like “My Derriere” or “Swirly” are completely over-the-top, but they’re written with such confidence and rhythm that they actually work.
Also, I have to mention the variety. You’ve got longer narrative poems, quick haikus, and even structured pieces that feel almost traditional, if you ignore the content. That mix keeps the book from getting repetitive, even though the theme is consistently outrageous.
Is it crude? Absolutely.
Is it for everyone? Definitely not.
But is it memorable? Without question.
It’s one of those rare reads where you’re laughing, slightly horrified, and weirdly impressed at the same time.
And it always goes further.
What really stood out to me is how fearless the writing is. There’s no hesitation, no attempt to soften anything, it just fully leans into its identity. Poems like “My Derriere” or “Swirly” are completely over-the-top, but they’re written with such confidence and rhythm that they actually work.
Also, I have to mention the variety. You’ve got longer narrative poems, quick haikus, and even structured pieces that feel almost traditional, if you ignore the content. That mix keeps the book from getting repetitive, even though the theme is consistently outrageous.
Is it crude? Absolutely.
Is it for everyone? Definitely not.
But is it memorable? Without question.
It’s one of those rare reads where you’re laughing, slightly horrified, and weirdly impressed at the same time.
April 14, 2026
This book is chaotic, vulgar, and intentionally offensive, but what stood out to me most is that it’s technically competent poetry. That’s what makes it interesting.
The sonnets, the rhythm, the rhyme schemes, they’re not accidental. Even in something as absurd as “All Turds Are Secreted Equal,” there’s a clear structure and consistency that shows the author knows exactly what he’s doing.
And then there’s the contrast. One moment you’re reading something completely ridiculous, and the next you’re in a piece like “The Craven,” which feels like a parody of classic gothic poetry but still holds tension and narrative weight.
It’s almost like the book is making a statement: that poetry doesn’t have to be “clean” or “elevated” to be valid. It can be messy, uncomfortable, and still effective.
It won’t be for everyone, but as an experiment in pushing boundaries of tone and subject matter, I think it succeeds.
April 14, 2026
I’m not proud of how much I laughed at this book. I really thought I’d read a few pages, roll my eyes, and move on. Instead, I kept turning pages because I wanted to see just how far it would go.
And the answer is: very far.
Poems like “Monarch’s Rest” take a simple embarrassing situation and stretch it into something absurdly vivid and painfully relatable in a way you don’t expect. It’s gross, yes, but it’s also honest in a strange way.
What got me was the rhythm. Even when the content is ridiculous, the writing flows. The rhymes hit. The pacing works. That’s what separates this from random internet humor, this is crafted.
I wouldn’t recommend it to everyone (definitely not something you gift your grandmother), but if you have a dark, immature sense of humor and appreciate clever wordplay hidden inside chaos, this is a weird gem.
And the answer is: very far.
Poems like “Monarch’s Rest” take a simple embarrassing situation and stretch it into something absurdly vivid and painfully relatable in a way you don’t expect. It’s gross, yes, but it’s also honest in a strange way.
What got me was the rhythm. Even when the content is ridiculous, the writing flows. The rhymes hit. The pacing works. That’s what separates this from random internet humor, this is crafted.
I wouldn’t recommend it to everyone (definitely not something you gift your grandmother), but if you have a dark, immature sense of humor and appreciate clever wordplay hidden inside chaos, this is a weird gem.
Read
April 14, 2026I’ll be honest, this book made me uncomfortable at first. Not because it’s shocking (it is), but because it commits so fully to a kind of humor most writers wouldn’t dare touch. It’s crude, relentless, and very intentional.
But the more I read, the more I realized something: this isn’t lazy writing.
There’s real control here. The rhyme schemes land. The pacing works. Even in something absurd like the haikus, there’s timing and structure that shows the author understands poetry at a fundamental level.
And then there are moments where it almost breaks character, like in “The Elegance of Limitations,” where the author reflects on poetry itself. That piece alone made me rethink everything I had just read.
By the end, I didn’t just laugh, I respected the craft behind it. It’s not trying to be pretty. It’s trying to be bold, and it succeeds.
But the more I read, the more I realized something: this isn’t lazy writing.
There’s real control here. The rhyme schemes land. The pacing works. Even in something absurd like the haikus, there’s timing and structure that shows the author understands poetry at a fundamental level.
And then there are moments where it almost breaks character, like in “The Elegance of Limitations,” where the author reflects on poetry itself. That piece alone made me rethink everything I had just read.
By the end, I didn’t just laugh, I respected the craft behind it. It’s not trying to be pretty. It’s trying to be bold, and it succeeds.
Read
April 14, 2026Reading this felt less like reading a poetry book and more like watching a stand-up comedian who has absolutely no filter, but knows exactly what they’re doing.
The rhythm is what makes it work. You can almost hear the delivery. Lines hit like punchlines, especially in the shorter pieces and haikus. Some of them are quick, ridiculous, and gone in seconds, but they land because of timing.
Then you get longer poems like “The Craven,” which feels like a chaotic, dark comedy monologue disguised as poetry. It builds, spirals, and somehow keeps you engaged even when it’s completely unhinged.
It’s definitely not “polished” in the traditional sense, but that’s the point. It’s raw, fast, and unapologetic.
If you enjoy comedy that pushes boundaries and doesn’t care about being politically correct, this is honestly a fun and unique read.
The rhythm is what makes it work. You can almost hear the delivery. Lines hit like punchlines, especially in the shorter pieces and haikus. Some of them are quick, ridiculous, and gone in seconds, but they land because of timing.
Then you get longer poems like “The Craven,” which feels like a chaotic, dark comedy monologue disguised as poetry. It builds, spirals, and somehow keeps you engaged even when it’s completely unhinged.
It’s definitely not “polished” in the traditional sense, but that’s the point. It’s raw, fast, and unapologetic.
If you enjoy comedy that pushes boundaries and doesn’t care about being politically correct, this is honestly a fun and unique read.
Read
April 14, 2026At first glance, this book looks like it’s just trying to be as gross and outrageous as possible. And yes, it absolutely is.
But what surprised me is how human it feels underneath all that.
So many of the poems revolve around embarrassment, bodily functions, awkward moments, things everyone experiences but rarely talks about openly. In a strange way, it strips away the polished version of ourselves and just says, “This is what being human is sometimes.”
Even when it’s over the top, there’s a weird honesty in it. You recognize the situations, even if they’re exaggerated.
And I think that’s why it works. It’s not trying to impress you, it’s trying to make you react. Laugh, cringe, shake your head… whatever it is, you feel something.
It’s not a book I’d recommend to everyone, but I’m glad I read it. It’s different, memorable, and strangely authentic in its own chaotic way.
But what surprised me is how human it feels underneath all that.
So many of the poems revolve around embarrassment, bodily functions, awkward moments, things everyone experiences but rarely talks about openly. In a strange way, it strips away the polished version of ourselves and just says, “This is what being human is sometimes.”
Even when it’s over the top, there’s a weird honesty in it. You recognize the situations, even if they’re exaggerated.
And I think that’s why it works. It’s not trying to impress you, it’s trying to make you react. Laugh, cringe, shake your head… whatever it is, you feel something.
It’s not a book I’d recommend to everyone, but I’m glad I read it. It’s different, memorable, and strangely authentic in its own chaotic way.
April 14, 2026
What I didn’t expect is how consistent the voice is throughout the book. It’s not just random jokes, it feels like you’re inside the head of someone who has fully committed to this outrageous, unfiltered perspective.
Even the short haikus carry that same energy. They’re quick, sharp, and often punch you with a joke that lands harder than expected. Some are silly, some are surprisingly clever, and some just make you pause and go, “Did I really just laugh at that?”
And then there are the longer narrative poems, like “Stinky” or “Swirly”, which almost feel like grotesque children’s stories gone wrong. That contrast between playful structure and crude content is what kept me engaged.
It’s definitely not for readers looking for beauty or inspiration. But if you’re open to something bold, irreverent, and unapologetically weird, it delivers exactly what it promises.
Even the short haikus carry that same energy. They’re quick, sharp, and often punch you with a joke that lands harder than expected. Some are silly, some are surprisingly clever, and some just make you pause and go, “Did I really just laugh at that?”
And then there are the longer narrative poems, like “Stinky” or “Swirly”, which almost feel like grotesque children’s stories gone wrong. That contrast between playful structure and crude content is what kept me engaged.
It’s definitely not for readers looking for beauty or inspiration. But if you’re open to something bold, irreverent, and unapologetically weird, it delivers exactly what it promises.
April 14, 2026
This is one of those books where your reaction says more about you than the book itself.
If you go in expecting refined poetry, you’ll hate it. If you go in understanding that it’s intentionally pushing boundaries, testing how far humor, discomfort, and absurdity can go, you might actually enjoy it a lot.
What I appreciated most is that it never half-commits. Every piece, whether it’s a short haiku or a longer poem, leans fully into its identity. There’s no hesitation, no apology.
And oddly enough, that commitment makes it memorable.
It’s rare to read something that feels this unfiltered yet still structured. It’s chaotic, yes, but not careless. There’s craft underneath all the madness.
Not for everyone. But for the right reader? It’s unforgettable.
If you go in expecting refined poetry, you’ll hate it. If you go in understanding that it’s intentionally pushing boundaries, testing how far humor, discomfort, and absurdity can go, you might actually enjoy it a lot.
What I appreciated most is that it never half-commits. Every piece, whether it’s a short haiku or a longer poem, leans fully into its identity. There’s no hesitation, no apology.
And oddly enough, that commitment makes it memorable.
It’s rare to read something that feels this unfiltered yet still structured. It’s chaotic, yes, but not careless. There’s craft underneath all the madness.
Not for everyone. But for the right reader? It’s unforgettable.
July 3, 2020
Often witty, almost always crass, sometimes hilarious -- but not for those with a squeamish nature. I won this book in a Good Reads giveaway. If I could give half stars, this one would be 3.5 stars. My main criticism is that at times I felt it was a bit repetitive. Maybe that was intentional. The book contains poems that rhyme and haiku. It has an "Ode to Poop," and a parody poem entitled "Craven," taking its structure from the Poe poem, "The Raven." Part of me was a bit surprised so much could be squeezed out of such an offal subject.
July 14, 2020
Did not enjoy this book At all ! Sorry but this one I cannot recommend.
September 7, 2020
When you need a laugh or a reminder to laugh at yourself ...
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews