Tough & Tender

"In a world as cruel and lucky as this, we get to leave Love behind, no matter how tough and tender."

In Zane Frederick's fourth poetry collection, he refers to Love as a proper noun, like an authority or religion. A thing we are influenced by. In his signature voice, Frederick puts the spectrum of feeling into lyrics and metaphors. Whether it's Love found or forgotten about, it's a fossil for what we gave of ourselves. A pure joy to say we Loved here, here, and here. How some of us remain soft after being thrown through the wringer.

"An evocative collection that immerses you into a journey of visceral desire, loss, and connection. Frederick masterfully paints his memories in such undiluted detail it feels as though you're dancing in the melancholy with him."

- CHRISTIAN WEISSMANN, AUTHOR OF Her, Him, & I

"A collection that somehow feels like a comforting lullaby and a sad song all at once. Zane Frederick writes with such emotion that leaves readers with a prolonging sense of nostalgia.

- BRIANNA PASTOR, AUTHOR OF Good Grief