Inside Out

Second Place Winner of The Poetry Box Chapbook Prize 2023

Few people understand the unique reality faced by women who are impoverished, underserved and, certainly, unseen. This collection of poetic observations derives from years of volunteer work, both at a homeless clinic and a women's day shelter, where Kirsten Morgan listened to tales stranger than fiction, guided them into written form and became determined to spread these stories through her own poetry. By seeing the human side of inhumane existence, perhaps we can acknowledge and honor women who face fear, anger and degradation while also summoning courage, integrity and hope.

"A powerful work of empathic imagination. In these searing poems of witness and service, Kirsten Morgan gives voice to the voiceless and takes us into a world most would prefer not to see."

-John Brehm, author of Dharma Talk

"Inside Out is an astounding poetry collection-a startling, superb account of women who've experienced homelessness, addiction, domestic violence and other indignities." 

-Joy Roulier Sawyer, author of Lifeguards

"This is poetry of witness, always rich with humor and imagination. Inside Out conveys an empathy that transforms sorrow to resilience."

-Elizabeth Robinson, author of Excursive

"The poems break and mend my heart for a multitude of reasons, but mostly via the small details and images."

-Michael Henry, Executive Director, Lighthouse Writers Workshop