Love Letters and Pocket Knives

“J.J. Celli’s debut poetry collection takes one on a hard-hitting, razor’s edge, yet cathartic journey down sensual backroads and city streets dimly lit by “suede, rawhide moons” all ending in the wisdom and peace achieved through struggle, endurance, and the courage to be oneself. This is truly a memorable, unapologetic, and poignant collection of poetry, allowing us a glimpse, as only an artist can, into the complexities and truths of the human condition.” — Loren Broaddus, author of Joe DiMaggio Moves Like Liquid Light

“The poems in Love Letters & Pocket Knives unfold into a collective portrait of unsparingly intimate interior landscapes, by turns confessional and tough, brutal and tender, rigorous and redemptive. Celli offers rugged, poignant breadcrumbs reminding us there is “still something left to save,” even if-and perhaps most especially when—it is ourselves.” — Maya Stein, Poet Laureate of Belfast, Maine

J.J. Celli is a queer writer from the Chicago area, where she is active in the spoken word poetry scene. Celli spent over two decades fighting crime and working as a major crimes/homicide detective, later retiring as a Sergeant. As a survivor of intimate partner gun violence, she is passionate and dedicated to educating others on domestic violence in same-sex relationships, while also advocating for the LGBTQ community. Love Letters and Pocket Knives is her first collection.

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