American Faith

The ultimate subject of Maya C. Popas stunning debut collection is violence. American Faith begins with its manifestation in our country: a destructive administration, a history of cruelty and extermination, and a love of firearms. The violence naturally extends to the personal. What for some is routine can feel like an assault: a TSA agent wipes down a bra tucked in a travelers suitcase, adding, prettiest terrorist Ive seen all day. Tentatively, the title poem casts light on the unrevealed future, a solution that includes faith: the days, impatient, fresh beasts, appeal to me/ You are here. You must believe in something.