Lyria, ki ékri kabann-la

T. A. Noonan

O red empress of the streetlight

O poet of the hungry bayonet

O obsidian mirror

O virgin candle-eater

O gardener of the blueflag ditch

O forgemaster in the lost oasis

O sword of the witchwater

O needle of reason

O sacred sex jasmine

O fire of broken judgement

O brethren of the stormed castle

O accidental noble

O root of the conqueror

O mother of the yellow ocean

I am unashamed

tell the world of our reversal

show me the path of misfortune

pray for my prayers

shovel us a foundation

strike & strike again

be light as down in my hand

may your stitches be tight & true

kiss me beneath your garlands

face me yourself you coward

teach how we are stricken

I will reveal your rusted apertures

the land won’t forget what you gave

savor the untouchable stars with me

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Color image of T. A. Noonin's eye

T.A. Noonan (they/them) is an author, bedlam pathworker, and disabled queer creative. A kréyòl Lalwizyàn turned accidental Floridian, their special interests include occultism, enamel pins, Zelda speedrunning, and Final Fantasy XV. Their latest chapbook is A story that begins with a story named Death (Ethel 2025). 

T.A. Noonan’s chapbook The story that begins with a story named Death comes draped in black lace. Published by the Ethel Zine in 2025, this varied collection of poems is an indulgence that can only be read by those for whom death is only another beginning. Speaking after death, Noonan solicits us to “drink to Mary” and satisfy ourselves with the untouchable.

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