across the river: pith, pines, and the caverns of a soul

about the author

Haven Alexa Langley was born and raised in the red tie, red clay region of the Carolinas. She grew up to be neurodivergent, progressive, and queer… see the issue?

In her debut chapbook, across the river: pith, pines, and the caverns of a soul, Haven explores early adulthood through the natural world, weaving poems from small moments, allegorical fish, and childhood memories. Heavily inspired by the juxtaposition of the American south’s rigid traditions and her own self-discovery, Haven’s collection navigates the complexities of home, heritage, and healing. Gossipy deer, political pigeons, and gold medalist arachnids alike rave that these poems are a sanctuary for anyone still fighting against the red clay current. Forever loyal to the Carolinas, Haven’s work begs the question: “How does one love a place that was not built to love them back?”

Haven is a graduate of both Winthrop University and Clemson University. She lives with her partner in Raleigh, North Carolina, and works as a full-time nanny. When not working or writing, she can be found doing anything artsy or spoiling the million children in her life. More of her work is featured on instagram: @havenalexalangley.

bent-stem daffodils

bent-stem daffodils and

driveway scrambled eggs—

blooms like suns that set too soon,

cracked blue shells and half-formed wings—

feasted on by starved silhouettes.

every now deformed dream

i once dared conjure—

morsels of my own unfledged wings

that never took flight, never reached the sun—

feasted on by springtime squirrels.