Violets for Sappho is Michelle Rochniak’s love letter to the tenth Muse. It is queer awakening, queer living, queer breathing <3

Violets for Sappho

Poem published in "Vinaigrette," a folio edited by Layla Maher (print and digital). A twist on the classical form of a sonnet lightly inspired by the tale of Icarus.

you sure are daedalus's daughter

Poem published digitally. After Joy Harjo. Not quite sure what this poem is about, but it's one of my favorites.

She Knew The Moon

Two poems published digitally. They express the essences of the lovers and the emperor tarot cards.

vi. the lovers // iv. the emperor

Poem published physically and digitally on page 41. A poem dedicated to my town library, the second home of my childhood.

Between the Bricks

Poem published on Gleam website (digital only). A collection of vignettes of finding your soulmate through time and space.

the god of generation z

Poem published on HLWW website (digital only). Poetic musings about astrology.

the flamed mermaid

Poems found on pg 20 and 27 respectively (digital only). Poems inspired by hatred of classism and misogyny and a desire for more independence as one ages respectively.

i can't hurt you if i'll die in the process // taking what is yours

Poem published physically and digitally on pg 19. A reimagining of the perspective of the character Rose Red in Dave Malloy's song cycle Ghost Quartet.

The Harrowing Lives of Rose Red; Or, A Retelling of Dave Malloy's Ghost Quartet

Poem published as digital and physical broadside (pg 22-23 in digital collection) in collaboration with WCSU Writing & Literature and Art Departments. Artwork by Tallulah Comaskey.

getting up from the hammock and lighting it on fire

Poem found on pg 76 (digital only). Retelling of the tragedy of Achilles and Patroclus through short prose poem. Epigraph at the beginning is from "Achilles Come Down" by Gang of Youths.

glory of the father

Flash fiction published in Issue 1 of Aothen Magazine (pg 30). Title is a lyric from "Woman" by Doja Cat. Inspired by the work and interests of 16th century Venetian poet and courtesan Veronica Franco as well as general Roman mythology.

You Will Never Know a God Without the Goddesses

Issue 3, pg 45. A poem about the feeling of growing through loving someone :)

Michelle Rochniak

Books

Selected work