Skeleton Key

Hello All!

Marzuchii Kouture here, I’m a Oakland based 19 yr old Queer, Black, and diverse artist with an emphasis in the literary arts. My poetry journey began at 14 as a part of a spoken word duo, self-styled "Macroni," performing at a variety of locations throughout Sacramento's poetry scene. In my solo work, I have performed at protests across Sacramento. I've had the gracious opportunity to Headline events at The Sacramento Poetry Center; I studied alongside esteemed poets such as Sacramento Poet Laureate Andru Defeye and CoonThePoet.

I am in the process of solidifying my debut manuscript before publication. Skeleton Key is an exploration of Sapphic love that begins in heartbreak. This collection of poems takes readers on an emotional journey, guiding them through the grief of a breakup, pulling them back to love, and ultimately leaving them with the exhilaration of a new crush. These poems delve into the nuances of queer relationships, emphasizing the importance of reflection; the illusive complexities of love. The collection features two voices: one closely mirroring my own, and the other representing the enigmatic lover. The intention is to allow readers to step into my shoes, experiencing this love story as if it's their own. From adolescence to adulthood I’ve spent years carefully curating this manuscript. It's been a long journey of reflective work, motivated by a drive for connectivity and my wish to abolish the single story.

I have a strong background in the performing and fine arts, and have a natural curiosity for most creative endeavors. Most recently I have taken an interest in music production, exploring mixing and Dj’ing. I’m excited to merge the 2 passions by incorporating live performance into my poetry events. To find out more about the journey check out my socials!