Over the course of 12 transformative months, fourteen poets have come together to forge a deeper understanding of themselves and each other, resulting in The Whiskey Tree: Untamed Identity (Wave 1)—a poetry anthology rich with raw intensity and fearless exploration of the self. Curated and edited by Alan Parry, this collection features the voices of Sue Finch, Karen Pierce Gonzalez, Paul Robert Mullen, Anne Walsh Donnelly, David Butler, Jay Rafferty, Mary Earnshaw, Paul Brookes, Vikki C., James Jackson, Cait O’Neill McCullagh, Morag Anderson, and Matthew M.C. Smith.
As these poets grew to know themselves and one another over the past year, their work has evolved, delving into personal, societal, and cultural layers of identity. Through poems that explore the tenderness of self-discovery, the weight of societal expectations, and the fluidity of human identity, this anthology offers an unflinching examination of what it means to be, to belong, and to change. From intimate reflections on gender and selfhood to wider meditations on heritage and belonging, the poems are daring in their vulnerability and profound in their insight.
The poets’ close-knit creative process has informed their work, allowing them to explore new depths and bring a collective honesty to the anthology. Sue Finch’s delicate yet powerful lyricism sits alongside Paul Robert Mullen’s unapologetic, bold verses. Anne Walsh Donnelly’s sharp reflections on gender fluidity echo in contrast with David Butler’s classical meditations on identity. The diversity of voices creates a dialogue within the collection, offering readers a broad spectrum of experience and emotion.
Untamed Identity isn’t just a collection of poems—it’s a testament to the journey these poets have undertaken, revealing an authenticity that can only come from deep, shared exploration. As the first wave of The Whiskey Tree series draws to a close, this anthology paves the way for future explorations of Nature, Love, and Identity in 2025, leaving readers with a powerful sense of connection and discovery.
