Day Eight to release poetry book by Shaquetta Nelson Fall 2021

Day Eight is proud to announce forthcoming publication of a new book of poetry by D.C. poet Shaquetta Nelson, better known by her stage name R.E.I.L. R.E.I.L has blessed audiences in the area with her poetry for more than a decade, including as a poet educator in area middle and high schools.  

This is Ms. Nelson’s first published book of poetry though she has been a regular at open mics including Spit Dat, Busboys and Poets, and in Day Eight’s DC Poet Project reading series – where she has been a featured poet 2019, 2020, and 2021. A native of D.C., at 16 Ms. Nelson was one quarter of a Maryland slam team that competed in New York City at the Brave New Voices Youth Poetry Slam. Ms. Nelson describes seeking inspiration from past and present life experiences.  

Poet Gregory Luce, Day Eight’s board chair, commented, “Day Eight is delighted to be publishing the poems of Shaquetta Nelson. She is a very fine poet who has performed in and supported our DC Poet Project and has been strongly involved in others of our poetry endeavor. We are very proud to be assisting in bring her published work to broader awareness.” 

Recent books from Day Eight include Mecca Verdell’s Things to Unlearn, Laura McCarty’s Just One Swallow, and an interfaith poetry anthology on the topic of consolation and loss, Falling Leaves, edited by Susan Meehan and Robert Bettmann. Nelson’s book is expected for publication mid-August, 2021.

View video of Nelson performing her poem, Sexy Redefined. View video of Nelson performing her poem, Tragic.