Punks: New & Selected Poems

"Punks is a magnificent collection of poems built on the setting of Black history, queer memory and New York City. John Keene’s poems document the world around him and the world inside him, going deep into anecdotal, experimental stories of love and transformation while still aware of the surface (the obstacles that have historically stood in the way). And every time Keene tells us a story – of mourning, or celebration – he flirts with daydream. At root, this National Book Award-winning collection is about free desire. Singing of a uniquely gay, Black love, Keene writes, “I have learned / to love myself and love black people.” These poems will hold you very tight."