Frederick Joseph

Poetry

Making Luxury Out of Flat Soda

I learned to breathe in my grandmother’s kitchen / despite life sitting on my chest. / Scent of cast-iron skillet seasoned by sunrises / and ancestors’ touch. Gospels of sizzling grease / and bubbling greens my uncle called hallelujah and amen.

December 2024

Making Luxury Out of Flat Soda

A Poem from Frederick Joseph’s New Collection

We are celebrating the release of Frederick Joseph’s first book of poetry, We Alive, Beloved, from Row House Publishing. Frederick’s new poetry collection seeks to find joy in moments of difficulty whether through illuminating the beauty of being Black, highlighting the hope that can be found in childhood or by sharing intimate truths revealed on a mental-health journey.