The God of Loneliness

In The God of Loneliness, Charles K. Carter shares their most vulnerable work yet. While using a variety of poetic forms, Carter tackles the tough intersection of isolation, disconnection, and sexuality.

"The God of Loneliness is a plaintive exploration of loving and being loved when compassion for oneself isn't a given. Carter's poems-particularly the '...in Dreamland' ones-embody an undisguised vulnerability that is deeply sympathetic but not overwrought or maudlin. Their heartstrings are not meant to be tugged per se but are offered to the reader to help us feel what we must. This is a delicate achievement that you know Carter hurt-and perhaps hurt mightily-to pull off, and it makes The God of Loneliness a deftly earnest and an unquestionably worthy read." -Daniel W.K. Lee, author of Anatomy of Want

"The God of Loneliness by Charles K. Carter serves as an atlas documenting the vulnerability required to navigate rural America as an LGBTQ+ person. This confessional poem collection maps the points we travel to find each other, the sophisticated trauma-bonds threading us together, and the carnal drives to feel something despite the numbness from years of survival. Carter ponders the existential in dreamscapes and longs 'for someone to resurrect this dead thing' through a long-sought connection. These poems remind readers that we may be gods of loneliness, but 'cataloging all these miles' resuscitates us with the reality that 'it'll take an act of bravery and some wild life choices' to rebuild." -Donny Winter, author of Feats of Alchemy

"The God of Loneliness resonates with tender, raw articulations of identity woven through the complex tapestry of love in its many forms. With lyrical vulnerability, Charles K. Carter reaches out to touch the heart of anyone who has ever felt alone, offering solace and hope for a world where love transcends boundaries." -Emanuel Xavier, author of Love(ly) Child

Charles K. Carter (they/he) is a queer poet from Iowa who currently lives in Oregon. They share their home with their artist husband and their spoiled pets. He enjoys film, yoga, and live music. Melissa Etheridge is their ultimate obsession. Carter holds an MFA in writing from Lindenwood University. His poems have appeared in numerous literary journals. They are the author of If the World Were a Quilt (Kelsay Books) and Read My Lips (David Robert Books) as well as several chapbooks. www.CKCpoetry.com