A rich anthology featuring some of the brightest voices in contemporary poetry who challenge, expand, and illuminate the meaning of the label “Asian American and Pacific Islander” (AAPI) in today’s world. Exploring the range of experiences AAPI people endure in a world shaped by colonization and white supremacy, the poems in this collection confront American militarism, reimagine lineage, celebrate queer/trans life, and reclaim indigeneity, refugeehood, and more. Drawn from a range of schools and movements, We the Gathered Heat highlights the vitality of oral traditions in contemporary AAPI literature.

Intergenerational and fiercely loving, this path breaking anthology honors our literary ancestors and makes space for AAPI literary futures. Contributors include Marilyn Chin, Joshua Nguyen, Teresia Teaiwa, Haunani-Kay Trask, and many more writers, both established and emerging.