Sweet Queens, by Danielle Bero

Poetry, chapbook, 36 pages, from Bottlecap Features. Sweet Queens is a poetry chapbook that serves as an homage to Astoria, Queens, weaving a tapestry of vibrant memories, personal loss, and cultural resonance. Through powerful verses, it explores the complexities of identity, community, and the raw emotions tied to a city that is both home and battleground. The poems reflect a journey through the multifaceted landscape of Queens, infused with the grit and grace of its streets, as well as the haunting echoes of those who have come and gone. This collection is dedicated to the now-deceased Astoria, striving to capture the essence of a neighborhood that is alive in memory and spirit, even amidst the shadows of gentrification and loss. Sweet Queens invites readers to traverse the poignant memories and layered narratives that define a life shaped by this borough. Each poem is a pulse—a moment in time filled with vivid imagery and lyrical honesty that draws on the rich tapestry of the borough’s culture, from subway rides to summer nights, and the stories of those who have been touched by its streets. This chapbook is not only a reflection of the author’s personal journey but also a collective narrative that honors the voices of those who share this space. Danielle Bero, born in Queens to hippie parents, was given a dose of Shel Silverstein, Tupac, Jazz and classic rock. She was first published in Highlights for Kids when she learned to read and write. She is a Fulbright Scholar and Posse alum, with two master’s in education and an MFA from the University of San Francisco. She co-founded a school for foster youth, leads public schools, and cultivates spaces for the arts to bloom. She is a Bowery poetry, Glam Slam, Lehigh Valley intercollegiate slam, Ubud Writers and SASfest poetry winner. Some of her written work lives in Divine Feminist and Stained anthologies, Juked and Lavender Review. Her micro-chapbook Schooled was published by Ghost City Press (2021). She is a Jack Straw Fellow, Poetry Brothel cast member, poetry camp counselor, musician and filmmaker debuting a seven-time award winning short titled Fruit Loops, with an original soundtrack. Forthcoming short films include Pride or Die and Dusa-Stoned. Danielle is looking to bring creative arts to the forefront. Find more at www.DanielleBero.com and follow her on Instagram at BeroQueensPoet.