In The Little Deaths, Mercy Tullis-Bukhari shows us existential rebirths in everyday human interactions. The poems in this collection reveal self-discovery, human connection to the earth and to nature. The poet attempts to reconcile aging and the fear of death. Meanwhile, the influence of traditional Catholic beliefs and ideologies whither under the weight of life's realities. Through disillusionment and trauma, the speaker in these poems explores the uncharted avenues of beauty.
Mercy Tullis-Bukhari is a poet, essayist, and fiction writer who focuses on the woman experience through individuality, motherhood, and sexuality. She published two books of poetry titled Smoke (Blind Beggar Press, Inc.) and Mango (Ocean Taste Publications). She is a Callaloo Fellow, an MFA recipient in Creative Writing from The College of New Rochelle, and the Poet Laureate of the New York University 30th Anniversary Celebration Gala. Mercy was named one of the "8 Authors Bringing Afro-Latina Stories to the Forefront" by Remezcla magazine and was a Pushcart Prize nominee in 2016 for her essay, "Black Dolls for Everyone." Mercy teaches high school English Language Arts in the Southeast section of The Bronx and is completing her first novel. She currently lives in New Rochelle, NY, with her two children.