Trigger Warnings and Hotel Bibles

(+ a poem from my forthcoming collection)

I had my author photos done for my book this week. My photographer friend asked if my book is romantic (smile for the camera) or somber (don’t smile for the camera).

When I told him it’s about trauma and healing, I leveled the line of my mouth.

Later that night, I lay awake thinking, another poetry collection about trauma. I was wondering what makes mine different, not out of dread or desperation, but out of obligation—I believe writers have a responsibility to the integrity of their work, especially in the digital age, the reign of AI, and 2-second Tik-Toks.

Simply put, I ask myself—am I adding to the junk pile?

Don’t get me wrong. There is plenty of room for fun and lightness (I did write this little chapbook of love poems for each sign of the zodiac). But there is little to no room for self-indulgence.