woke up no light

In her debut poetry collection, woke up no light, former Youth Poet Laureate Leila Mottley delivers a powerful exploration of identity and belonging through the lens of a Black woman’s journey. Organizing her work into sections that reflect stages of life—from "girlhood" to "womanhood"—the collection addresses themes of reparation, desire, and the search for home amidst adversity. With sharp, rhythmic verses, Mottley articulates personal and political revelations, showcasing her brave, distinctive voice and confirming her place in contemporary poetry.