We are in a state of existence where we can no longer afford to ignore the realities of climate change, and the roles science and technology play in our steps moving forward. This is an incredibly crippling reality to face most days when primarily all news being fed to us is negative – whether it be environmental news, political news, economic news, etc.

However, if you’re looking for a collection of poems that focuses on some of the aftereffects of climate change and one that does an exceptional job at not sugarcoating our reality while remaining hopeful, you’ll want to pick up Seed Beetle by Mahaila Smith.

Note: Seed Beetle comes out May 15, 2025.

About the Book

From Stelliform Press: “In a climate changed future, Canada is thought to be a promised land. But in southern Ontario, the promise and the land are exhausted: industrialization has led to widespread destruction, desertification and food insecurity. So, when Utopic Robotics promises growth and presents a community with a swarm of automated beetles that will revitalize the land and rebuild utopia, community members rally behind the corporation and its message of hope. But technological solutions often come with secret risks.

This collection of illustrated poems explores those risks inherent in utopia and the idea that through science alone we can solve our environmental problems. Through femme and queer perspectives, Smith lays bare the social implications of a technological savior and creates a blueprint for co-opting technology in the name of community and connection.”

As someone relatively new to reading poetry, I was a bit nervous going into this read. But I can confidently say that Seed Beetle is an exquisite blend of being accessible while still challenging viewpoints, particularly those surrounding our trust in technology and corporations.

Smith paints an exceptionally vivid picture for readers of Utopic Robotics but also of the existing environment that surrounds it, along with the environment that once did, and the environment that may proceed it.

Some of my favourite titles from the collection are as follows:

• On Weekends
• Breaking the Spine
• Down or Up
• Making Up
• Our Time and Space

About the Author

Ottawa-based writer Mahaila Smith’s poetry has been nominated and finalist for the Best of the Net Award, the Rhysling award and the Ralph Angel Poetry Prize. Their debut chapbook, Claw Machine, was published by Anstruther Press. Their second chapbook, Water-Kin, was published by Metatron Press. Their poems have been published in Room, Augur, Untethered Magazine and elsewhere.

Thank you to Stelliform Press for sending me a digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.

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