FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kalvik, a poet and postdoctoral fellow at Texas A&M University, released his debut poetry collection, Ain’t Pretty Just Beautiful. Through a raw and deeply personal exploration of emotional landscapes, Kalvik offers readers a chance to navigate the complexities of modern life, delving into themes of depression, anxiety, love, longing, and gratitude. The book is a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit, providing a sanctuary for those seeking refuge from the chaos of contemporary existence.
In Ain’t Pretty Just Beautiful, Kalvik combines lyricism, free verse, and blackout poetry to explore the delicate balance between despair and healing. Drawing on his own experiences as an immigrant chasing the elusive “American Dream,” Kalvik reflects on how the pressures of hustle culture and the distractions of social media often obscure the more intimate and meaningful connections that sustain us. His poems offer a gentle reminder to slow down, be present, and find beauty in the small, quiet moments that often go unnoticed.
"I never set out to write poetry," says Kalvik. "It was something I stumbled upon during my Ph.D. studies. In the face of overwhelming stress, I found comfort in the words of Mike Posner and Charles Bukowski, which gave me a sense of clarity. From there, my own poems began to flow, and I realized that writing became my form of therapy. These poems became a way to find peace in the midst of chaos and a way to process emotions I hadn’t known how to express before."
Ain’t Pretty Just Beautiful is not just a collection of poems; it is an invitation to embrace imperfection and to find healing in the process of simply being. For Kalvik, this book represents the culmination of five years of personal growth, self-discovery, and an ongoing journey toward understanding his place in the world.
Kalvik’s poetry aims to connect with anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by life's challenges or struggled to reconcile their aspirations with reality. His work speaks to those seeking a balance between ambition and inner peace, encouraging readers to step back, breathe, and appreciate the beauty in the moments that often feel lost.
“These poems are my humble offering. I hope they serve as a guiding light for those navigating their own storms, providing solace and a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is always something beautiful waiting to be discovered.”
Kalvik
