The Taxidermist's Cut (Four Way Books Intro Prize in Poetry)

Mohabir writes from experience as an immigrant and a gay man. His poetry is rich in cultural references and place names--qualities that give resonance to the poems and authority to his voice. A very personal testament, this collection of poems ranges widely through emotions of bitterness, passionate anger, longing, and wonder. The taxidermy motif threads through the collection skillfully, providing an thematic and imagistic coherence.

Stunning, deep, and magical. When I read Rajiv's work I not only learn something about him; I learn something about myself. His pieces are musical and thrumming with emotion. I cannot recommend this enough!

Amazing amazing poetry. Cuts to the bone.

I feel so grateful to have had this gorgeous book grace my hands. The author's poetry will gut you, and you will be thankful to have lived to experience it. Queer Indo-Guyanese poems trace the violent legacy of indenture in South America to growing up brown and queer in white rural Florida. The title poem of this collection says there is “no hiding” “where active members of the Klan rally against sand ni**ers and fa**ots," and where the speaker tells himself, “You are a forgery. Not a wolf. Not an Indian. Not a self.”We've been waiting for this voice. Get your hands on a copy already.