Defense Date
2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Fine Arts
Department
English
First Advisor
Kathleen Graber
Second Advisor
David Wojahn
Third Advisor
Geoff Bouvier
Fourth Advisor
Adin Lears
Abstract
Gathering Instinct is a semi-autobiographical collection of poetry which explores themes of grief, nostalgia, and metaphysical curiosity, all while maintaining a deep observational awe of the natural world. At its core, this manuscript interrogates the human experience of being both estranged from and connected to our animal instincts, while also reflecting on the sublimity of that connection. This speaker is always in relation to something, whether that be the innumerability of her own identity, or the spider she guiltily dreams about killing. These poems are visceral in their detail: somehow death-strewn and joyful all at once.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
5-4-2026