Cotton Xenomorph is a literary journal produced with the mission to showcase written and visual art while reducing language of oppression in our community. We are dedicated to uplifting new and established voices while engaging in thoughtful conversation around social justice.

for their tongues

by Isaac Pickell

fight back: a socket
with red warning
says thanks; a platter

overwhelmed by metal-
wool says do
the dishes; a ribcage

coaxed in black
tar and feather
says may i have

another; a bookcover
splashed italic color
and our name says

translated, to speak
for tired bodies
sitting sick of being

sung. your brain won’t
remember what you have

seen, but remembers the last
time you remembered.


Isaac Pickell is a biracial poet working out of Detroit, where he is a PhD student and English instructor at Wayne State University. His work can be found in FenceThe Journal, Ninth Letter, and Pleiades. Isaac has taken a seat in all fifty states and has so much to look forward to.

Knife Skills

YUM-DERDOME: Vegemite