Letters to Forget

In her debut collection, Kelly Caldwell explores the intricacies of identity and mental illness through poignant poetry that addresses themes of bipolar disorder, gender transition, and familial relationships. Written with raw honesty, many poems are directed towards her partner Cass Donish during Caldwell's struggles in a treatment facility for depression and mania. Caldwell’s work embodies both vulnerability and strength, as she reflects on her life, relationships, and the quest for self-discovery, ultimately questioning the nature of agency amid transformative experiences.