One-breasted woman

the long version

In her third collection of poems, Susan Deborah King bears witness to a soul's transformation in the wake of a breast cancer diagnosis and subsequent mastectomy. In the crucible of disfigurement and confrontation with mortality, a transpersonal figure emerges, a One-Breasted Woman, who is possessed of a powerful and passionate vulnerability. She raises up with outrage at the possible systemic causes of her disease. She holds the earth and beloved people close as she contemplates her end. She connects with the suffering of others. These poems are vivid with fear, heightened awareness, anger, tenderness, sorrow, playfulness, and even joy.