Mollie O’Leary reads her poem “Late Summer Study” from Shō No. 4 (Winter 2023-24).
“I wrote this poem after visiting the Bernini sculpture The Ecstasy of St. Teresa, which is considered controversial due to its portrayal of religious ecstasy in such a sensual way. The sculpture and the discourse around it made me reflect on my own experiences with intimacy and touch–and what is at stake when navigating these embodied moments.”
— Mollie O’Leary
Mollie O’Leary is a poet from Massachusetts. She holds an M.F.A. in creative writing from the University of Washington. Mollie’s chapbook The Forgetting Curve was selected for publication in 2023 through Poetry Online’s chapbook contest. Her poetry has appeared in Chestnut Review, wildness, and elsewhere. Find more of her work at mollieoleary.com.