Peter Levitt
Poet & author, Within Within
"This collection sparks with poems that are bright and fierce—comets cutting through the mundane."
Bhargavi C. Mandava
Author, Where The Oceans Meet
"Bella Mahaya Carter's insightful journey into womanhood made me blush, laugh, cry and cackle like a joyful witch. In the end, this authentic and daring collection left me feeling grateful I was born female. It should be mandatory reading not just for our sisters and daughters, but more importantly, for our husbands and our sons."
Maureen Muldoon
Writer/Director, Booby Trap
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Messa Road
It happened on Messa Road,
at my friend, Lisa's, house.
She was the shyest girl
in our third grade class
so it was odd that we were friends.
I can't recall whether she encouraged me
or tolerated me,
but she had no problem
announcing my number to an audience
of teddy bears and dolls. More>>
Essence
My therapist says the new name
and the haircut
are diversions from the real issue,
so I ask,
what is the real issue
and she says,
You—the essence of you. More>>
Pet Envy
I am jealous
of the way he
touches Angie,
stroking, patting, massaging her,
making room in his chair—
even when he’s eating. More>>
Tangled
When my daughter doesn't brush her hair
the strands clump into a knot
at the back of her head the size of a softball,
and I go hard inside,
because I've told her
a hundred times
to care for herself. More>>
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Bella reading 'Messa Road' at the Secrets of My Sex Publication Party
These poems plunge us into the essence of female experience in a manner that is bold, intimate, and honest. The poet risks exposure by bringing to light issues of sexual shame and bliss, so that what has long been buried can be brought to light and healed, whether it be painful childhood lessons, the adolescent quest for identity and meaning, or the awakenings that marriage and motherhood inspire. Readers will be drawn to these pages filled with vivid imagery and surprising, humorous stories. Everything is given with open arms and unflinching candor. These unique and memorable poems remind us that human weakness and vulnerability are often wise and generous teachers. Click here for 
