Have you heard of Ailey O’Toole? She’s the poet behind one of the most viral poems of 2018. Her poem “Gun Metal” took the internet by storm, and for good reason. O’Toole’s writing is raw, emotional, and unapologetically feminist. But who is she, and what else has she written?
In this article, we’ll dive into the life and work of Ailey O’Toole. From her childhood in rural Virginia to her rise as a literary sensation, we’ll explore how her experiences have shaped her writing. We’ll also take a closer look at “Gun Metal” and other poems that showcase O’Toole’s unique voice and perspective.
Who is Ailey O’Toole?
Ailey O’Toole was born in 1993 in rural Virginia. As a child, she was homeschooled by her mother and spent much of her time reading and writing. In an interview with The Rumpus, she recalls spending hours in the library, devouring books on everything from astronomy to ancient civilizations.
When she was 14 years old, O’Toole discovered slam poetry. She became involved in the local poetry scene and started performing at open mic nights. By the time she graduated high school, she had won several slam competitions and had been featured on National Public Radio.
After high school, O’Toole attended Virginia Commonwealth University where she studied English literature. During this time, she continued to perform poetry and also began publishing her work in literary journals such as The Puritan, The Boiler Journal, and Rust + Moth.
In 2018, O’Toole’s poem “Gun Metal” went viral after being published in The Adroit Journal. The poem explores themes of violence against women and toxic masculinity, and resonated with readers around the world. Since then, O’Toole has gained a following on social media and has been featured in several literary publications.
Ailey O’Toole’s Writing Style
One of the things that sets Ailey O’Toole apart as a writer is her unflinching honesty. Her poetry is raw and emotional, tackling difficult topics such as sexual assault, mental illness, and political turmoil. But despite the heaviness of her subject matter, O’Toole’s writing is also filled with hope and resilience.
In “Gun Metal,” for example, O’Toole writes:
“I want to tell you something
about my body. It is warm
and soft and open.
It has been broken before.”
These lines are both vulnerable and defiant, showing that even in the face of trauma, there is strength to be found. This theme of resilience is present throughout much of O’Toole’s work, making her poetry both powerful and empowering.
Another hallmark of O’Toole’s writing style is her use of vivid imagery. In “Gun Metal,” she describes a man’s hands as “guns pointed at my face.” This metaphorical language gives the poem a visceral quality that makes it difficult to forget.
Other notable works by Ailey O’Toole include “The Moon is a Lesbian” (published in The Puritan), “Women Who Look Like Me” (published in Rust + Moth), and “When I Say I Want to Leave the Country I Mean My Body” (published in Glass: A Journal of Poetry).
Conclusion
Ailey O’Toole may be a relatively new name in the literary world, but her impact has already been felt far and wide. Her poetry speaks to issues that are deeply personal yet universal, making it accessible to readers from all walks of life.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering her work for the first time, Ailey O’Toole is a writer worth paying attention to. Her voice is one that demands to be heard, and her poetry is a testament to the power of vulnerability and resilience.
References:
– “Gun Metal” by Ailey O’Toole (The Adroit Journal)
– “Interview with Ailey O’Toole” (The Rumpus)
– Ailey O’Toole’s author page (Glass: A Journal of Poetry)
– Ailey O’Toole’s author page (Rust + Moth)
