Stop Lying: Poems

Aaron Smith's most personal and vulnerable work, "Stop Lying," explores the complexities of grieving, regret, and survival, pushing through present-day grief and the shame of the past to find buried truths.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 80 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2023
Publisher: University of Pittsburgh Press

Stop Lying  is Aaron Smith's most intimate and revealing artistic endeavor to date. The central theme revolves around the profound impact of Smith's mother's passing and the complex challenges he faced growing up in a society that viewed his homosexuality as sinful and unnatural. Through these poignant poems, Smith delves into the intricate dynamics of family communication, exploring the unspoken words and the choices that families make in navigating the intricacies of loss and grief.

One of the central questions posed in this collection is how individuals cope with the unresolved nature of relationships. How do we navigate the pain of a loss that leaves a void that can never be filled? What does it mean to carry the weight of regret, both for the decisions we have made and those we have not? And what if the concept of survival deviates from the societal expectations we have been taught?

Smith's poetry is a testament to his resilience and his unwavering pursuit of truth. He bravely confronts the shame and guilt associated with his past, using his art as a means of healing and self-discovery. Through his raw and honest portrayal of emotions, he invites readers to join him on a journey of introspection and self-reflection.

Stop Lying  is a powerful exploration of the human experience, offering insights into the complexities of grief, regret, and the search for meaning. It is a testament to the power of art to heal, transform, and ignite a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Weight: 154g
Dimension: 153 x 230 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780822967040