Welcome to Iris Summerlin's first publication: an exploration of a myriad of themes surrounding mortality, creativity, grief, romance, politics, insecurity, and other reminders of sentience from a woman in her early twenties.

Consider this collection of poetry and prose a louder attempt at a brave use of the mouth. For all the right and wrong reasons. This book is sectioned into five categories of poems:

• I am a lover

• I am more than a skeleton

• I am a daughter

• I am a riot

• I am getting louder

Dedicated to those who have loved. To those who have hurt. To those who have inspired. To those who inhale. To those who shiver. To those who, too, are caught in the incessant pendulum of existential dread and existential bliss.

Here is Slow Burn. From my heart to yours.

TW: death, grief, sexual violence, alcoholism, addiction, religion, eating disorders, PTSD, suicidal ideation, war