A review by kranber
Kingdom Animalia by Aracelis Girmay

5.0

haven’t read many poetry collections but this one feels different. it’s so existential, so obsessed with the borders between life and death and the way we’re all connected in everyday things & nature. i love poetry that can handle these existential topics with subtlety and grace, without leaning too much into them. she handles them deftly & so beautiful. highly recommend you at least read the first poem of this collection:

Oh, body, be held now by whom you love.
Whole years will be spent, underneath these impossible stars,
when dirt's the only animal who will sleep with you
& touch you with
its mouth.