Buy a Digital PDF copy of Joe Nasta's fifth poetry book! November 30, 2025.

A novel in verse about love, brotherhood, companionship, and life. Flip to a random poem when you need comfort, a sandwich, an apology, or bit of attention from American poetry's sweetest troublemaker.

Joe Nasta is vibing in Seattle. He has whispered five books of poetry and a collection of short stories into the world. Ze is an associate editor for Elizabeth Ellen's Hobart.

(friendship poems) by Joe Nasta

$10.00

I don’t know how the world works

but I know the first moment

you really hear a new friend

say what they mean.

Not Echo. Not Molly Peacock’s BBQ.

When you sit down across from them

in the booth eating chicken wings and

the bone cracks

and you know something new about them?

When they can’t say how they feel but their

palm touches your neck when they pass.

When they can’t

give you what you want for the first time

but it’s not just okay, it’s wonderful to feel

their warmth. When they glance back at you

before showing

their apartment door lock key code. When

they can’t say how they feel but their mouth

shows you a version of it anyway. It’s enough.

(friendship poems) by Joe Nasta

(when you want to hug someone)