Bluff

Set against the backdrop of 2020, this collection reflects on the tumultuous events surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and the protests in Minneapolis following George Floyd's murder. Danez Smith confronts their role as a poet, exploring themes of responsibility, resilience, and community. The poems demand new forms and language, showcasing a vibrant history and the impact of systemic violence. With a blend of honesty, hope, and imagination, Smith envisions a future amid chaos, making this collection a powerful manifesto of artistic expression.