totaled by nat raum

An Artists from Maryland micro-collection

In totaled, nat raum is surrounded by devastation in the style of smashed fruit liqueur bottles, but they refuse to call it by the term. Instead: “i have hidden from myself.” Instead: “high-octane.” Instead: “the crash.” Equipped with nine poems poured from empty bottles, raum jumps from behind the bar.

“In totaled, nat raum bottles the juxtaposition of want and reality. The journey of this short collection also reeks of familiarity and comfort as our narrator becomes themselves as they stamp their power outside of alcohol and the societal pressure to conform.”

—Ashley Elizabeth, author of bite-sized

“Through a broken bottle and different spirits, nat raum explores relapse in a piercingly real manner. With lines like ‘how is it / i am / still standing / after the crash,’ totaled blends guilt and absolution, creating a poignant study in the complexities of sobriety. Finding contrast between rose quartz necklaces and the Irish corner bar, raum underscores what recovery looks like: showcasing both the healing and the backsliding.”

—arushi (aera) rege, author of suburban suicides and BROWN GIRL EPIPHANY, EIC of ink & ivy lit mag and Bus Talk

Support nat raum through the following:

Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/natraum
Venmo: @moshpitdaria
Cashapp: $moshpitdaria