Review: Salome and the Battle Poems by Tyler Rose Mann

Salome and the Battle Poems is a poetry collection that explores the weaponization of art to heal and protect the body and soul of the oppressed, the mentally ill, and the disempowered. Salome is a biblical figure, mythologized here into a radical symbol of women’s liberation and empowerment. The collection is divided into three sections: vengeance, tenderness, and photosynthesis. This structure reflects the process of overcoming, the alchemy of transforming righteous rage and suffering into power and true healing, and the precious raw love at the center of it all that we must protect and nurture at all costs—no matter how deeply it’s nestled between anger and armor.

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~ My Review ~

This was quite a read! The imagery, the pacing, and for compelling words strung together like this: 
Call it sin.
Call it slut.
I'll take the head and call it even. (Salome)
Or this
& every morning
I strip the lonely 
from my longing arms
and stra the warpaint on
my grieving, grinning face. (the Alchemist)
Although, I have several favorites, this collection packed a powerful punch and I loved both the journey and the empowerment that came from it. I'll be on the lookout for more from this poet! Well done, Tyler Rose Mann. 

​​***I received a copy in exchange for an honest review. I am not required to write a positive one. These thoughts and opinions are my own.***

My Rating: 4/5

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About the Author

Tyler Rose Mann is an internationally-based multidisciplinary artist. Born in Brooklyn, NYC and raised in Mount Vernon, New York, she currently lives in Chiang Mai, Thailand and spends her time writing, painting, and volunteering with causes that promote environmental sustainability and human rights, with a focus on women’s issues. She has discovered power and healing in art, and hopes that her words can be lifelines for the wounded and weapons for the disempowered. Visit www.tylerrosemann.com to watch her live performances, explore her visual art and nonfiction writing, or book her for a commission or show.