Experience the world through the vibrant lens of CJ Carter, a prolific African American poet whose words ignite the soul and stir the imagination. The Dark Side of the Butterfly is an evocative collection of poetry that captures the complexities of life, love, and transformation, set against the mesmerizing backdrop of a butterfly's life cycle.

From the confining chrysalis to the soaring flight of freedom, CJ Carter masterfully weaves the struggles and triumphs of identity, culture, and resilience into a tapestry of verse that is as raw as it is uplifting. With her unparalleled gift for spoken word and her deep appreciation for the cultural rhythms that shape us, she invites readers to explore both the shadows and the light of life's most profound moments.

Each poem is a journey-a reflection of cultural highs and lows, an exploration of vulnerability and strength, and an homage to the beauty of storytelling. With every page, Carter's artful words beckon you to embrace the power of metamorphosis and to find your own wings amidst life's challenges.

The Dark Side of the Butterfly is not just a book of poetry; it is an immersive experience, a call to see beauty in the struggle, and a celebration of the unyielding spirit within us all.

Prepare to be captivated. Prepare to be transformed. Prepare to fly.

"From the moment I turned the first few pages, I knew that I was on a beautiful journey of discovery and reflection. As Shortnin' Bread found a sweet spot on the tip of my soul, I was reminded of a younger self and how I had come to a similar realization with my father's own sweet distractions. Carter has created a jewel that allows the reader to receive, reflect, & realize. This book feels like a road trip back home to open fields and country living. Be prepared to be metamorphosized. You will not be the same at the conclusion of this book. Be well on your journey!" -Yolanda R. Bynum, MSL

"Carter is refreshingly honest about who she is from beginning to end. Her work is truly a gift of honesty, openness, sensuality, self-discovery, anger, and awareness. She affirms that we can move from a place of love and security through adversity to arrive at a better more knowledgeable self at the end of the journey." -Adrienne Phillips