Such Is Life

In Such Is Life, her first published work, Kalliope King mixes poetry, essays, and a short story to reproduce life experiences we all relate to: the loss of a best friend, the quest to find love, the love parents have for their children. Her poetry, in particular, shows the power of words as they cross barriers of culture, language, and experience—with the hope that the power is enough to change thoughts, decisions, and hearts. By including subject matter not always expressed in poetry, the poems are also meant to inspire those who struggle for whatever reason and to give courage to those who would like to speak up and can't. The author wants the reader to know it's okay to laugh, to cry, and to celebrate.