Nichelle is an incredible poet.

I read and thoroughly enjoyed God Themselves, so imagine my joy when I received The Porch (As Sanctuary) as a birthday gift. This is Nichelle's first chapbook, and it does show - I can see how they've grown into their voice between this collection and God Themselves. Some of the poems are a bit heavy-handed and could be further refined. But damn, if it isn't a great debut. I doubt I could make a better first chapbook. 

Favorite poems: "The First Porch I Pass," "Things I Do Not Say To God," "The Porch (As Hair Salon)," "Is Woken Up At 6AM On Saturday Because I 'Left All Them Damn Dishes In The Sink'," "Why We Only Had A Family Reunion Once," and "A Letter To Mrs. Butterworth".

(Also the cover is even more striking and gorgeous in person!)