The poetry collection, Death of the First Idea (Alfred A. Knopf, 2025), written by award winning poet Rickey Laurentiis, is a stunning exploration into identity. She covers topics of transness and society’s perspectives on gender, race and what it means to be Black in America, sexuality, mental health, abuse, and religion with all the depths and wisdom of her lived experience. This collection is a must-read for anyone interested in these subjects or simply wants to read beautiful poetry from an eloquent modern poet.
Laurentiis pulls inspiration from new and old works, emphasizing the idea that none of these subjects are new just because they are discussed in the media more today. Some examples of works and events she references include the story of Tiresius, antebellum-era writing, films like 12 Years a Slave, and recent events such as COVID, but this list only touches the surface. A mere glance at her notes at the end of the book can give insight into the vast amount of research and introspection that went into this collection. All these references are gracefully interwoven with Laurentiis’s personal experiences as a Black trans woman in modern society.
Similarly, Laurentiis mixes formal, poetic language with a more conversational tone, creating a sense of relatability. Their use of digressions and interruptions only add to this feeling. One example can be found in her poem, “Sometimes Tropic of New Orleans, III”:
“Better I make this Baseborn meet my minds,/ transient Amateurs, if I can remember the line . . . an Emily/ Dickinson poem? . . . the line: but can recall her Staggered gait instead,/ What goes like the Sunday Organ: that Honest, afferent & mad. (Among roses.)”
Her use of asides and parentheses layer her ideas and make the reader feel like Laurentiis is telling these stories to them, much like a friend or relative would. That said, there is no mistaking her writing for anything but poetry. She uses both gorgeous and gritty imagery to convey her message, not straying away from the reality of many of her subjects, but also not missing the beauty of many of them either.
Rickey Laurentiis
While several of the poems are quite heavy, the collection is ultimately one of hope and staying true to oneself amid backlash and doubt. In “Mundane Song,” she puts emphases on the simple phrase “You matter.” She states “You go outside and the Trees don’t know You’re Black. The lilacs will chatter & break/ Themselves real bloom, real boon, whatever, / No matter your gender. You matter.” In this way, her poetry is quite timely and much needed in the current political climate.
Overall, Laurentiis’s Death of the First Idea is a window into Black trans identity. She holds up a mirror to society and asks people to look at themselves and how they treat others. Whether readers relate to her identity or want to broaden their perspective on the world, this book is worth their attention. Poetry lovers should keep Rickey Laurentiis on their radar since she is definitely a skilled poet of our time.
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