SUMMARY

Shakira Croce's debut poetry book, Leave It Raw, is grounded in the elemental forces while observing the otherworldly possibilities of human creativity. The poems explore the nuances of sexuality, marriage, motherhood, the arts, and ambition, speaking to relationships' potential to hurt and heal. As one poem reads: "We weave the most incredible plait, / and leave it raw, / unsewn straw running across tile." Each story offers bits of experience that provide an intimate glimpse of the intricacies of life.