Dear Vulcan

This collection examines the complexities of intimacy and identity, inviting readers to reflect on their own relationships through the lens of Dear Vulcan.

In Dear Vulcan, Laura Davenport explores the complex dynamics of human intimacy, posing the poignant question, What keeps me coming back? Her crisp narrative style and intimate voice create a welcoming space for readers to reflect on the unspoken expectations that shape both identities and relationships. The collection is set against a backdrop of various Southern locales, ranging from the Birmingham skyline to a Nashville liquor store, as well as an imagined place called City without Women. These settings serve as a canvas for her exploration of the emotional distance between men and women.

The poems in Dear Vulcan delve into the underlying tensions faced by a young woman navigating the traditional patriarchy of the South. Davenport skillfully examines the connections between physical bodies, constructed identities, and the landscapes that nurture them. Often starting mid-conversation, her poetry draws readers in with vivid details that challenge preconceived notions about memory, reality, and the intricate lines between identity and intimacy.

This collection is not just a reflection on personal experiences; it also invites readers to consider broader societal themes. Through her evocative language and compelling imagery, Davenport articulates the struggles and triumphs of self-discovery within the confines of cultural expectations. Dear Vulcan ultimately serves as a powerful commentary on the nature of connection and the complexities of understanding oneself in relation to others.