Arlo Parks Announces Debut Poetry Collection 'The Magic Border'

The book features 20 original poems and exclusive photography, as well as the complete lyrics to 'My Soft Machine'

Photo: Daniyel Lowden

BY Megan LaPierrePublished Jun 13, 2023

Known for her adroit lyricism, it only seems fitting that British singer-songwriter Arlo Parks has announced that she's publishing a book of poetry.

The Magic Border: Poetry and Fragments from My Soft Machine will be released this September and is currently available for pre-order. Highlighting all of the lyrics to her recent sophomore album, My Soft Machine, the collection also features 20 original poems and exclusive photography by Daniyel Lowden.

"This book is a book about the speckles in my eyes, about what clouds my vision, about the specific beauty I see in the world," Parks explained in a press release. "Daniyel is one of my best friends, his lens is so tender, and we compliment each other in our sensitive sensibility. This work is our offering to the world — I wanted to paint a softer and more human future, I wanted to be more vulnerable than ever. I hope the work moves you and encourages you to look within."

She continued:

Poetry was my place, my little clearing in the forest, where I could quietly put everything I was holding. I'm not sure what gave me the courage to open up that space to you, but here I am, doing it. I am proud to show you this personal lens that life shimmers through. This book is no longer mine. It is yours.

According to blurbs on the artist website, The Magic Border's praises have been sung by Florence + the Machine's Florence Welch — a published poet herself — and MUNA's Katie Gavin.

Watch a trailer for the book below.
 
 

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