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Love Letters and Pocket Knives
By J.J. Celli
Published by Central Avenue Poetry
Distributed by Simon & Schuster
Table of Contents
About The Book
In Love Letters and Pocket Knives, J.J. Celli opens the window to her soul, inviting us to take a close and intimate look at the raw and unfiltered moments. Through evocative imagery and heartfelt storytelling, these poems explore the myriad shades of love from the euphoria of new beginnings to the bittersweet ache of farewell.
In this autobiographical collection, each poem reads like a mini-memoir, weaving together the threads of trauma, intimacy, love, and resiliency. These poems stand strong with brave vulnerability confidently confronting those experiences in life that haunt us so we can quit ghosting ourselves.
As the title suggests, Love Letters and Pocket Knives explores the delicate dance between tenderness and toughness. From the gentle caress of a love letter to the sharp cut of a pocket knife, we are reminded it is this beautiful complexity and balance that continues to encourage these human hearts to love.
In this autobiographical collection, each poem reads like a mini-memoir, weaving together the threads of trauma, intimacy, love, and resiliency. These poems stand strong with brave vulnerability confidently confronting those experiences in life that haunt us so we can quit ghosting ourselves.
As the title suggests, Love Letters and Pocket Knives explores the delicate dance between tenderness and toughness. From the gentle caress of a love letter to the sharp cut of a pocket knife, we are reminded it is this beautiful complexity and balance that continues to encourage these human hearts to love.
Excerpt
Dear Reader,
Knives have always fascinated me—the sharp edge, the quiet promise of protection. I carry one always, a constant companion. In staying true to this part of myself, I’ve chosen four of my favorite blades, each representing a distinct phase of this poetic journey. As you travel with me through Love Letters & Pocket Knives, you’ll find the path is neither gentle nor smooth. We will move through many loves and lovers, each moment and memory cutting its own, distinct shape into who I am.
Part 1-Brass Knuckle Knife. Where this begins. It’s fierce, passionate, sometimes violent—just like the first rush of love, where power meets vulnerability. A brass knuckle knife feels like armor but is dangerous when used carelessly. In the thrill of connection, we can be reckless, even destructive. A blade, like a bruise, leaves an imprint of intensity, a moment of impact that lingers beneath the surface, unseen but present, as we slowly heal.
Part II-Switchblade Knife. These poems capture moments that cut pretty deep. Its thin blade is precise, intense, and mysterious, often hidden until it’s too late. You’ll find betrayal, seduction, and to its balance adoration and intimacy. The switchblade represents the sharpness of words, the silent breaks, and the delicate edge that divides love from letting go.
Part III- Swiss Army Knife. This blade is versatile, much like the stages of healing and growth. It holds within it a complexity of emotions, a readiness to navigate life and love's challenges. The Swiss Army knife symbolizes the adaptability we cultivate as we move forward, equipped with the tools we need to navigate our ever-evolving journey.
Part IV-Finally, the Butterfly Knife. Unlike the others, it flows with grace and fluidity—a symbol of transformation. This blade reflects both skill and poise. In practiced hands, it moves elegantly, embodying mastery. The butterfly knife is metamorphosis, the shedding of the past, and the emergence of something stronger, more resilient, and more beautiful for the journey(s) we've survived.
Yours, JJ
Knives have always fascinated me—the sharp edge, the quiet promise of protection. I carry one always, a constant companion. In staying true to this part of myself, I’ve chosen four of my favorite blades, each representing a distinct phase of this poetic journey. As you travel with me through Love Letters & Pocket Knives, you’ll find the path is neither gentle nor smooth. We will move through many loves and lovers, each moment and memory cutting its own, distinct shape into who I am.
Part 1-Brass Knuckle Knife. Where this begins. It’s fierce, passionate, sometimes violent—just like the first rush of love, where power meets vulnerability. A brass knuckle knife feels like armor but is dangerous when used carelessly. In the thrill of connection, we can be reckless, even destructive. A blade, like a bruise, leaves an imprint of intensity, a moment of impact that lingers beneath the surface, unseen but present, as we slowly heal.
Part II-Switchblade Knife. These poems capture moments that cut pretty deep. Its thin blade is precise, intense, and mysterious, often hidden until it’s too late. You’ll find betrayal, seduction, and to its balance adoration and intimacy. The switchblade represents the sharpness of words, the silent breaks, and the delicate edge that divides love from letting go.
Part III- Swiss Army Knife. This blade is versatile, much like the stages of healing and growth. It holds within it a complexity of emotions, a readiness to navigate life and love's challenges. The Swiss Army knife symbolizes the adaptability we cultivate as we move forward, equipped with the tools we need to navigate our ever-evolving journey.
Part IV-Finally, the Butterfly Knife. Unlike the others, it flows with grace and fluidity—a symbol of transformation. This blade reflects both skill and poise. In practiced hands, it moves elegantly, embodying mastery. The butterfly knife is metamorphosis, the shedding of the past, and the emergence of something stronger, more resilient, and more beautiful for the journey(s) we've survived.
Yours, JJ
About The Author
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.
Product Details
- Publisher: Central Avenue Poetry (July 3, 2025)
- Length: 128 pages
- ISBN13: 9781771684019
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