Strange Nests

By Jessica McHugh

the secret about dying arrived scrawny. it's growing stronger & fatter though & whispers,"go mad."

Beyond ancient gates, among thorny overgrowth and carnivorous blooms, a raven called Death waits tirelessly for its chance to roost within us. Using scraps of love, remorse, anger, and pain,

• Language: English
• Publisher: Apokrupha
• Release date: Jan 11, 2022
• ISBN: 9781087995410

Book preview

Advanced Praise for Strange Nests

"Strange Nests is a brilliant collection of poems that speak in a subtle voice of deep darkness. Jessica McHugh conjures real magic here."

— Jonathan Maberry, NYTimes bestselling author of Relentless and Ink

Jessica McHugh finds the deep truths hidden in plain pages. This collection will plant rose bushes in your heart. You’ll feel every bloom and bleed with every thorn.

— Sarah Read, Bram Stoker Award-Winning author of The Bone Weaver’s Orchard

"Jessica McHugh’s Strange Nests is a beautiful, somber reflection on life, death, grief, and the bonds between siblings. A wondrous read that will lull you into a lovely breathless silence."

— doungjai gam, author of glass slipper dreams, shattered

Dedication

For Eric

I. BODY

Mystified

To grow up is a sort of secret

You won’t make it out in time to