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Wash: Poems

Ebony Stewart’s Wash is a powerful, unflinching poetry collection that draws the reader into a world of raw emotion, deep introspection, and lyrical brilliance. As I read through the poems, I found myself captivated by Stewart’s honest reflections on identity, love, loss, and healing. Her voice is unapologetically bold, revealing the complexities of being a Black womxn navigating relationships, societal expectations, and hard-fought victories toward self-worth. Yet, her themes are universal, resonating with anyone who has grappled with their own identity and relationships.

What struck me most was Stewart’s emotional transparency: each poem feels like a cleansing, a shedding of shame, doubt, and grief, revealing the triumph of knowing one’s value in a world that often seeks to diminish it. Stewart doesn’t shy away from exploring the pain of extractive love or the vulnerability of desire, but she also leaves room for empowerment and resilience.

As a celebrated spoken word artist, Stewart’s storytelling prowess is evident. Her rhythm, cadence, and use of form bring each poem to life, even on the page. The recurring motifs of water, memory, and the body serve to reinforce the collection’s central themes of purification and rebirth. Wash is a testament to survival, reclamation, and the ongoing work of loving oneself deeply.

Editor's Note: This book review was originally published in San Francisco Book Review.

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