Nashville Poet Tiana Clark Launches ‘Scorched Earth’

News Summary

Nashville celebrates local poet Tiana Clark as she unveils her new poetry collection, ‘Scorched Earth’, at Parnassus Books on April 5. This 112-page work delves into identity, emotional turmoil, and societal issues, showcasing Clark’s unique voice. Join her for an insightful discussion about her creative journey and the themes present in her latest collection.

Nashville Welcomes Tiana Clark’s Poetic Journey in “Scorched Earth”

Nashville is buzzing with excitement as local poet Tiana Clark prepares to unveil her brand-new collection of poetry, Scorched Earth, from Washington Square Press. For just $17.99, readers can dive into a world that spans 112 pages filled with raw emotion, heartfelt vulnerability, and profound insights.

A Night of Reflection and Connection

Mark your calendars for 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, because Tiana will be holding a discussion about her work at Parnassus Books, a venue well-loved by the Nashville literary community. This event promises to be a special evening as Clark shares her thoughts on her creative journey and the themes woven throughout her latest collection.

What’s Inside “Scorched Earth”?

So, what can you expect from Scorched Earth? The collection dares to tread the complex paths of identity, emotional ease, and the uncomfortable truths that many face. One standout piece is a mysterious poem set in a Nashville bar, featuring a father and an unknown daughter. As you read, you’ll feel the shift in tone as Clark reflects on her own confusion about how to wrap up such a deeply personal story.

Clark’s poetry is known for its smoldering honesty and formal inventiveness. It takes readers on a journey through the intricacies of art, desire, religion, racism, and glimmers of joy. With her experiences of divorce shaping many of the poems, readers can relate to the emotional chaos that often accompanies such changes in life.

Exploring Personal Turmoil and Societal Issues

The collection opens with a powerful poem titled “Proof,”, which delves into heavy emotional conflict and self-accountability. Clark doesn’t shy away from addressing the emotional turmoil linked to her divorce, effectively intertwining ordinary moments with life-altering transformations.

Noteworthy poems like “My Therapist Wants to Know About My Relationship to Work” and “First Date During Social Distance” shine a light on contemporary experiences that many navigate today. The clever insights capture the essence of modern life in a way that resonates deeply with readers.

Clark also turns to art for inspiration, crafting an ekphrastic poem based on Kara Walker’s lithograph Buzzard’s Roost Pass, 2005, demonstrating her range and ability to blend literature and visual culture seamlessly. Moreover, her work pays homage to the Old English long poem “The Seafarer”, further enriching the reader’s experience.

Confronting Ambiguity and Loss

As you reach the closing poem, “Maybe in Another Life,” prepare for an exploration of grief surrounding the ambiguous losses that accompany life choices. This poignant reflection encapsulates the collection’s essence, balancing the tension between fixed metaphors and evolving self-images.

A Voice for the Underrepresented

Tiana Clark is no stranger to using her platform to address significant issues. After previously publishing works like her chapbook Equilibrium and her debut full-length collection I Can’t Talk About the Trees Without the Blood, she has boldly tackled systemic racism and self-identity in her writing. Growing up as a biracial woman in Nashville, Clark has experienced the harsh realities of racial hostility firsthand, and this deeply informs her poetic lens.

In Scorched Earth, she creates a space for conversations about race and identity, reflecting both personal truths and universal themes. Through her poetry, Clark seeks to explore and expose challenging truths—all with the ultimate goal of fostering healing and restoration for herself and her readers.

Join the Movement

With her active involvement in the local poetry scene and initiatives like her creative writing group, Poetry Church, Tiana Clark is determined to keep the dialogue around race and identity flowing. Don’t miss your chance to connect with her and embark on a journey into the realm of poetry that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

In a time when vulnerability can be difficult to embrace, Clark’s work stands out as a beacon for those seeking to navigate the complexities of life, identity, and emotional healing. Make sure you grab your copy of Scorched Earth and join the conversation at Parnassus Books on April 5!

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• Nashville Scene: Tiana Clark’s Scorched Earth
• Tennessean: Poet Tiana Clark
• Nashville Scene: The Poet Tiana Clark
• New Yorker: Tiana Clark Reads
• Tennessee Lookout: Commentary on Tiana Clark
• Wikipedia: Tiana Clark
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