Epode: Three / Cord \ Digression

Epode is written in a poetic autotheory mode with mixtures of quotes from theorists of critical race theory and queer theory, as well as quotes from popular personalities like Anthony Bourdain, the bands Rancid and Against Me!, and the YouTube video essayist ContraPoints. It is organized in a poetic triptych style, with each page containing different points of view of a single event or theme. The first chapter, “sissy/sister\sis,” focuses on the author's queer and reckless travels abroad as he seeks to escape American masculinity and racism. The second chapter, “re/con\sile,” features two juxtaposed letters: a letter to the author's son about his early sicknesses, and a letter to the author's father written just after the father's suicide attempt. The last chapter, “me\more/ire,” reflects on the author's own suicidal ideation, anger, and alcoholism, and the ways he has found nourishment in writing, music, friendships, and family.