Made to Explode: Poems

In her fourth collection, Sandra Beasley explores the landscapes of her life, blending intimacy and intensity, and critiquing institutions and monuments in Washington, DC. She also explores her affiliation with the disability community and the legacies of racism and whiteness. The poems are quintessentially American and painfully timely.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 17 January 2023
Publisher: WW Norton & Co

In her fourth collection, acclaimed poet Sandra Beasley delves into the landscapes of her life with a boldness that is both decisive and fearless. Through her precise and evocative poems, she seamlessly blends intimacy and intensity, creating a tapestry of emotions and insights. Beasley's poetic journey takes her back to her childhood in Virginia, where she grew up in the shadow of Thomas Jefferson. Despite the liberal affluence that obscured and perpetuated racist aggressions, Beasley was deeply immersed in the cultural traditions of the American South. Her home in Washington, DC, serves as a source of inspiration for prose poems that document and critique the institutions and monuments of the United States capital.

Within these poems, a diverse range of historical figures and cultural landmarks make their appearances. Ruth Bader Ginsberg makes an unexpected cameo at the Folger Shakespeare Theatre's production of Kiss Me, Kate, while Albert Einstein is memorialized on Constitution Avenue, despite his denial of clearance for the Manhattan Project. As the seasons change, a rain of spiders descends from the dome of the Jefferson Memorial, adding a haunting and symbolic element to the collection.

A stirring suite within the collection explores Beasley's affiliation with the disability community and her frustration with the ways society often codes disability as inferiority. She challenges societal norms and stereotypes, advocating for a more inclusive and equitable perspective. Beasley's poems are quintessentially American, resonating with the experiences and struggles of her generation. They examine the legacies of racism and whiteness, the shadow of monuments to a world that is rapidly changing, and the privileges that Beasley is actively working to unravel.

Made to Explode is a bold and introspective exploration of Beasley's roots, seeking out resonance in society at large. Through her poetic lens, she invites readers to reflect on the complexities of identity, history, and the human experience. Beasley's collection is a testament to her talent as a poet and her commitment to using her art to inspire change and promote empathy.

Weight: 111g
Dimension: 211 x 140 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781324036005