‘Strength and Softness’ — A Beautiful, Raw Book of Self-Discovery

Recently, I purchased and read author Mallory Magnolia’s first full-length compilation of poetry, ‘Strength and Softness’. A raw, beautiful compendium focused on themes of love and loss (during an intense period of self-discovery), this was one of my top books of 2023. Read on to learn more about Mallory Magnolia’s literary debut (and get a deep-dive on my three favorite poems from the collection), then purchase it online wherever books are sold!

Three stand-out poems from ‘Strength and Softness’

Wild Turkey

Penned as a self-proclaimed “emergency napkin poem”, this particular piece feels like someone speaking words from the soul that few are able to vocalize. The familiarity of references to an old hat, a moth drawn to light, and other emotionally evocative images draw you in and make this poem more viscerally relatable than perhaps any I’ve ever read before.

Salmon Run

A poem that draws on familiar references to the mountains of West Virginia and the natural world, this piece brings together the complexity of how one may feel on the inside, and how that experience is paralleled by the rough edges of the world around us. This piece made me long for home, and also reminded me of the experiences we’ve all had, when our emotions feel as large and powerful as the currents of a river, or the harshness of rocks beneath our bare feet.

682 Miles to Home

Another piece that calls upon the emotionally evocative and relatable nuances of life and love, this poem speaks to the desire to “swallow” the pain those around us may be feeling. This poem brought tears to my eyes, as it reminded me of the quiet moments in life when I’ve longed (as we all have) to save someone from a secret pain they just can’t seem to shake. A masterfully crafted piece, this poem will make you not just think, but also feel, and that is the mark of great poetry.

Overall, this book is evocative, masterfully crafted, and brought a feeling of warmth and hope to my soul. You do not want to miss this debut from West Virginia author, Mallory Magnolia.

Xoxo,

MM.