Petals and Pages had a packed house on March 8 for Dylah Ray’s launch of Perennials : a lovely collection of poetry that explores the the transitions in life, love, and self-exploration.
Done up in a floral suit, Ray’s presence welcomed guests with a flower infused cookie and a pack of wildflowers (a nod towards her love of bouquets and her past endeavors with her company The Botanical Bakery of Denver). The ambiance alone showcased the community and strength that Petals and Pages offers to the community on a whole, but specifically the queer community here in Denver.
Those in attendance were welcomed to hear Ray read a selection of poems from her collection and could traverse the corridors of her memories to gain an intimate glimpse into her life. Her collection explores the journey of self-understanding through the journey of accepting ones sexuality and finding love (and, perhaps, letting it go).
In regards to her inspiration for the collection, she says:
“The same holds true for creating Petals and Pages as well as this book. Which is, I feel very, very privileged to live in a time where I can use my voice and my words to tell my story when I think a lot of people in the past have not had that opportunity … This book is kind of a reclamation of voice and vulnerability, and really being able to put that out there and I feel that I have not just the privilege to do that, but then it become kind of a responsibility to do that.”
If you are in need of a queer collection of poetry that is sure to make you think, swoon, and feel then Ray’s newest collection is a perfect read for this spring season. You can purchase Perennials here.
Poetry has always been an outlet for those marginalized. And queer poets can use writing as a tool for sharing their voices and experiences, while offer such poets an outlet from the challenges in their life. So support your local poet and, while you’re at it, pick up a pen and give the written word a try.
If you are located in the Denver area, Petals and Pages is a must-see. The coffee/book store is LGBTQ+-orientated and offers the community a variety of events that are sure to satisfy your artsy, queer hearts.
There is a game night every month aimed toward Trans+ folks and you can attend the upcoming one this Friday, March 22, at 5 p.m. They also host a queer open mic the first Thursday of every month if you are a queer poet looking to share your verses (sign-up is at 5:30 p.m., and the open mic starts at 6 p.m.). They also have a weekly writing group every Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. if you are looking to find likeminded writers to elevate you to the next level.
If you want to check out there other events or join one of their many book clubs, you can access their event pages here.
Photo courtesy of Petals & Pages
