On Crisis: A Collaborative Journey Through Poetry and Societal Reflection

I'm fucking ecstatic to announce the launch of our new book, "On Crisis," a poignant exploration of contemporary woes through the powerful medium of poetry, crafted by Talya Jacoby and me.

I'm fucking ecstatic to announce the launch of our new book, "On Crisis," a poignant exploration of contemporary woes through the powerful medium of poetry, crafted by Talya Jacoby and me. This collection delves deep into the heart of societal turbulence, offering a resonant echo to the voices of the unheard and the battles waged in silence.

Talya and I met online in the middle of what we now refer to as ‘boob gate.’ I had written a poem about a trend online where inner goddesses were let loose in Playboy centrefolds to draw attention to their poems and the books they sold. Talya was one of the people who supported me instead of cancelling me for my ‘internalized misogyny.’ We started chatting and found we shared many of the same frustrations. This led us to write a poem together. ‘Rats in Nice Clothes’ marked the beginning of a very productive friendship and our first book release together.

In "On Crisis," we aim to capture the essence of the struggles that define our era. Each poem serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. From the weariness of healthcare systems to the poignant reflections on environmental degradation, our work challenges and inspires readers to confront the uncomfortable truths of our times.

Talya and I were driven by a shared desire to give voice to these issues. Our conversations about the nuances of mental health, the stark realities of inequality, and the struggles unique to our millennial generation became the foundation of this collection. Through vivid imagery and compelling narratives, we invite readers on a journey of introspection and societal critique.

Our collaboration was more than just a literary effort; it was a cathartic process, a way for us to process and articulate our experiences and observations. We hope "On Crisis" offers not only a rallying cry for change but also a balm for the disheartened and a beacon of inspiration for those who dare to dream of a better world. Our voices merge and diverge throughout the collection, creating a harmony of dissent that resonates with the urgency of our contemporary moment.

As Carlos Calles aptly put it, "A searing exploration of the crisis that binds us, Jacoby and Rijsdijk's collaboration is as much an act of rebellion as it is a work of art." Fran Proctor described our collection as "a must-read for anyone ready to confront the reality of our times." Their words affirm the impact we hope to make with "On Crisis."

We invite you to join us on this journey. Let us rage, question, and ultimately, hope together. Dive into "On Crisis" and bear witness to the revolution of the written word. In our bold voices, we find the strength to navigate the chaos of our age and the courage to imagine a world remade.