Cloak - poems by Dodici Azpadu (PRESALE)

This is the second volume in the Margaret Randall Poetry Series. Preorders will ship prior to the March 2026 publication date.

—

Praise for Cloak:

“Dodici Azpadu’s Cloak is the cinematic view of the life of an outsider growing up in a Sicilian Arab family fresh from Ellis Island, unlearning a mother’s language and learning that their nationality is ‘American.’ Each scene is rich in detail and emotion, from an infant bed, ‘a dresser drawer softened with towels,’ to heading out into America ‘to commit the crime of my life,’ wearing ties and living nonbinary long before the term was coined. A jazz singer’s ‘I can’t make you love me’ to the poet becomes ‘I can’t make the world love me.’ Read Cloak. It’s a gripping movie of a book.”

— Mary Oishi, Albuquerque Poet Laureate Emerita, author of Sidewalk Cruiseship

“Cloak speaks of how queer people of color survive their families and social barriers with dignity intact. There is not a whine or poor-me anywhere, but there is a good deal of in-your-face. These poems take me back, and they offer a roadmap for today. Everyday spirituality is a special secret in this treasure chest.”

— Linda Tillery, musician and producer