BORDERLAND
by
Ross Victory
LGBTQ Poetry
Publication Date: October 11, 2024
Page count: 144 pages
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SYNOPSIS:
Borderland is not just a poetry collection—it’s an invitation to explore the most vulnerable corners of the human experience. Award-winning author Ross Victory takes readers on an emotional journey across the intersections of masculinity, race, bisexuality, and grief. In a fearless blend of narrative and free verse, Victory dismantles societal expectations, offering a space where identity can exist fluidly and unapologetically.
Through its evocative imagery and bold storytelling, Borderland tackles life’s most complex themes—love, loss, strength, and defiance. Each poem immerses readers in raw emotion, from tender vulnerability to fierce defiance. This collection is perfect for readers seeking honest, unfiltered reflections on what it means to exist at the crossroads of identity and experience.
With a voice that’s as unique as it is powerful, Ross Victory has created a collection that speaks to anyone searching for connection and understanding. Borderland isn’t just a book—it’s a movement, a conversation, and a space to find yourself reflected in its pages.
Step into the borderland, where identity knows no boundaries.
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ENJOY AN EXCERPT:
BRAVEHEART
Faithful mothers pray for blessings and protection
over the steps of their beloved sons
*
At four, little toes painted red, he dons her wig and
time stops—
She stands,
a sentinel at his doorway, her eyes aglow with quiet alarm.
Laughter escapes him, and her prayers flow,
"My child, oh Lord, please God, protect my queer child."
Each year, her love fortifies him against a world so callous—
A world at battle with his every step, his every breath, his every kiss.
She casts prayers over his sleeping body,
A mother’s vow
to shield,
to wrap his spirit against the venom of bitter tongues,
ready to take bullets aimed at him.
Her faith, a lighthouse amid ferocious storms;
Her deeds, steeped in the words of Christ,
Guiding him through tempests,
imbuing him with grace and self-advocacy.
*
Twelve years shine, he kisses a girl — a burst of youthful fire,
“Treat her like a queen, my brave boy,”
"She, like you, is a masterpiece."
"Why do I still like boys?" he asks,
his heart tangled in distress.
"Because you see beauty everywhere," she soothes,
“Since you were four, you’ve known color…”
Though days may darken and shadows lengthen,
her faith remains his anchor.
"Your mama’s joy—let it flow,
For anger and violence are born in silence and darkness.”
*
Crafted by his mother’s devotion, a warrior is formed,
Forged from love, buoyed by prayer, tempered in battle.
With liberation as his birthright,
he strides forth as a man made of starlight—
a protector, a healer…
a Braveheart,
carved through the trials and triumph of the Borderland.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ross Victory (he/him) is an award-winning author, music artist, and entrepreneur from Los Angeles. Featured in LA Weekly, LA Blade, American Reporter, and Bi.org, Ross rediscovered the healing power of writing after losing his father and brother. A former English teacher, Ross creates immersive narrative experiences. He published “Views from the Cockpit,” a father-son memoir, in 2019, resulting in a portfolio of six original titles and a music catalog of 20 songs. His works explore self-discovery, adventure, bisexuality, and family. In 2023, he released the Pride anthem “Bisexual Daze” and Book 1 of the L.A.-based horror series “Grandpa's Cabin.” Ross also publishes articles and reflections about grief, biphobia, and elder abuse on Medium.com and recently spoke at their Annual Writer’s Conference. This fall he will release his first poetry collection titled, “Borderland,” exploring the intersection of race, masculinity, and sexuality.
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Thank you for featuring BORDERLAND today.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good book of poetry.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a great read.
ReplyDeleteThis looks really interesting. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete