Self-Destruction in Small Doses, by Tinamarie Cox

Poetry, chapbook, 32 pages, from Bottlecap Features. Sometimes big things come in little packages. Self-Destruction in Small Doses is a chapbook-length collection of micro poems, with each poem consisting of 150 characters or less. Despite their short length, every poem packs a punch. Cox’s debut chapbook is a small peek into her personal struggle with anxiety, depression, and trauma recovery. Her constant battle against self-sabotaging behaviors. Each poem advances the journey through a self-destructive cycle she struggles to break free from. Through these pages, readers briefly experience the cascading effects of listening to intrusive thoughts. Navigating mental health issues can be complicated and this collection is brimming with messy emotions. There is anger and seeking comfort in chaos, destroying relationships in favor of false safety in isolation, feelings of guilt and deep sadness, and searching for a path toward healing. The conclusion is: she remains a work in progress. Content Warning: This collection may be triggering for readers sensitive to topics related to mental health issues and self-destructive behaviors which include but are not limited to self-harm and suicidal ideation. Tinamarie Cox lives in Northern Arizona with her husband and two children. She has an existential crisis daily and writes poetry to escape her mind. She enjoys reading, painting, and being a moody melomaniac. Her poems have appeared in several publications including Poetry As Promised, Dollar Store Magazine, The Sirens Call, and Oddball Magazine. Self-Destruction in Small Doses is Tinamarie’s first chapbook and hopefully, not her last. Join her on Instagram @tinamariethinkstoomuch.