Ms. X’s Ocean
Subtitle
Poems
“These are poems delivered from the dark treasury of what lies beneath the skin – soul news, pain-weary and deep hearted. What defines the regular here is almost unspeakable, and far more cruelly, unbearable, but the poems form a rising testament to the enduring narrator that she can find a personal place to stand in order to tell these stories. In doing so, she is giving word to the wordless, both to herself and to those who are also her. In one poem we share with the speaker the wish for “A moment of yes in a world of no.” Finding that singular yes seems impossible until we realize that the book itself, the entirety of these poems, is that yes, that solid and cooling affirmation, that indescribable something so fearlessly shown and daringly sung loud.”
– Alberto Álvaro Ríos, Arizona poet laureate; chancellor, Academy of American Poets
Bio
Elizabeth McNeil is an instructor of English in Arizona State University's College of Integrative Sciences and Arts, a faculty adviser for the Certificate in Environmental Humanities, and an affiliate faculty in women and gender studies, and African and African-American studies. She earned both her MFA in creative writing (1992) and PhD in English (2003) at ASU.
Praise for this book
The mysterious title of Elizabeth McNeil’s stunning 'Ms. X’s Ocean' invites us in, but watch out! The powerful current of this collection sweeps us off ... A searing story surges through these tautly controlled and exquisitely crafted poems. It takes a lifetime to write a book like this, vast and deep as the sea.
Cynthia Hogue Author of 'Revenance'
'Ms. X’s Ocean' is a child self praying curses and pleas. And more curses. To GOD. Not for salvation nor for forgiveness, but for simple gifts like kindness and love. Gentleness. Read Elizabeth McNeil’s 'Ms. X’s Ocean.' You’ll know exactly what I mean.
Simon Ortiz Author of 'Woven Stone'
