The reimagined story of Anarcha, an enslaved Black woman, subjected to medical experiments by Dr. Marion Sims. Selected by Tyehimba Jess as a National Poetry Series winner.In this provocative collection by award-winning poet and artist Dominique Christina, the historical life of Anarcha is personally reenvisioned. Anarcha was an enslaved Black woman who endured experimentation and torture at the hands of Dr. Marion Sims, more commonly known as the father of modern gynecology. Christina enables Anarcha to tell her story without being relegated to the margins of history, as a footnote to Dr. Sims's life. These poems are a reckoning, a resurrection, and a proper way to remember Anarcha . . . and grieve her.

Foreword by Tyehimba JessSection I: She Is a Woman Therefore She RemembersAnarcha Will Speak and It Will Be SoGhosts I GotThe Preacher Give Us the Story of JobBenedictionMassa's HouseDon't Wanna Hear It ButFrom a Star I See EverythingBlack GoldThe Chil'ren Might KnowThey Bringin in MoreAnarcha Feels MovementOne Boy Named MontgomeryLucy Made a GirlShe Need Help I Caint Manage ItThe Unquenchable SeasonPronounce Me LordI Shoulda Known Heaven FirstWhen I Get ThereShe Got Further Than AnybodyConjureI ProveMassa Wants to KnowA Powerful SpellAlabama but I Don't Know ItThe Missus, Big with Somebody TooWhat Do It TakeDanger on the Other SideLittle Bird Don't Know NuthinThis Time It HurtsAnarcha Dreams, OR How You Know You Ain't Gonethe midwife is no midwifeThe Drowned Boy, Call Him JohnThe Doctor by NowMarion Sims, the DoctorAnarcha Makes Milk AnywayDr. Sims Comes Back, Makes an OfferAnarcha Will Leave in the MorningThe Etymology of AnarchyDoctor/Massa Wants MoreSection II: The Juxtaposition of ExperienceBlood Misbehaves: One Surgery as Anarcha Sees ItBlood Misbehaves: The Surgery as Dr. Sims Sees ItNot Dead but . . .How Doctor Sims Sees His WorkHow Anarcha Sees His WorkDr. Sims Makes Something NewWhen the Quiver Stops, Ain't No JesusDr. Sims Will Buy 9 MoreAnarcha, in PositionDr. Sims ExplainsFlickerDr. Sims Comes CleanAnarcha, Anarcha Come On Out . . .New Gals, No GoodThings Past Tellin . . .A Wizard and His Magic, Nothing MoreNo Magic, No HowThe Doctor Figures It OutThe Doctor Gives Her Opium AfterConniptionFirst Is Last: How the Doctor Sees ItFirst Is Last: How Anarcha Sees ItAcnowledgments: A Dedication