Breaking into Air: Birth Poems

Poet Emily Wall began collecting birth stories after the birth of her third child,Lucy, realizing that women were always quietly sharing their stories. She collected stories from a lesbian couple, an indigenous father, and a grandmother, including difficult and painful births and beautiful births. Wall has shaped these stories into poems and this collection offers a look into the story that women have been quietly sharing with each other for centuries.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 80 pages
Publication date: 14 June 2022
Publisher: Red Hen Press

After the birth of her third child, Lucy, poet Emily Wall embarked on a captivating journey of collecting birth stories. She was struck by the profound intimacy and connection that women shared through their narratives, often in quiet moments over tea or whispered amidst the playground chatter. Wall recognized the untapped artistic potential of these stories and set out to gather them. She reached out to women through various means, including email, personal journals, and even recorded interviews, inviting them to share their unique birth experiences.

Wall's collection encompasses a diverse range of stories, from the challenging and painful to the beautiful and awe-inspiring. Among the tales she collected were those of a lesbian couple, an indigenous father fighting for his language, and a grandmother. Each story is a testament to the strength and resilience of women, as they navigate the complexities of childbirth and embrace the transformative power of birth.

Through her poetic lens, Wall has transformed these birth stories into captivating poems that offer a glimpse into the deeply personal and profound experiences of women throughout history. This collection serves as a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring legacy of women's narratives. It reminds us of the importance of listening, honoring, and celebrating the stories that shape our lives and communities.

Weight: 130g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781597099233