Explore the depths of poetry
Come on a journey through words that breathe life into emotions.
NEVER TO BEDLAM
Nieto's award-winning poems, deeply confessional in nature, lay bare his vulnerabilities, exploring the complexities of grief and the search for identity amidst the shadows of mental illness and suicidal ideation. Through his poignant letters to friends, Nieto seeks solace and connection, while his prose offers a deeply personal and introspective glimpse into the complexities of the human psyche. "Never To Bedlam" stands as a testament to the power of language and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Bellevue Literary Review on “Never to Bedlam”
“Dimas Mata Martinez Nieto's "Never To Bedlam" is a powerful and moving exploration of grief, identity, mental health, and suicide. Through a series of letters, poems, and confessional prose, Nieto delves into the depths of his own struggles with depression and the loss of his father—who he shares his name with—offering a raw and unflinching account of his journey towards healing. The book's title, "Never To Bedlam," is a reference to the Bethlem Royal Hospital, one of the oldest psychiatric hospitals in the world, and it speaks to Nieto's determination to avoid the fate of those who have been institutionalized. Nieto's writing is deeply personal and introspective, and he does not shy away from exploring the darkest corners of his mind. In one poem, he writes, "…Is there something worth learning, here, in this narrow valley of my mind? Am I an accident of hope? The birth child of what shouldn’t have happened? Or am I the intentional yet awkward fascination of something else? I know, I know. I am not beautiful, not anymore…" His honesty and vulnerability are disarming, and they create a sense of intimacy between reader and writer. In addition to his poems, Nieto also includes a number of letters in "Never To Bedlam." These letters are equally powerful and moving, and they offer a more lyrical and imagistic exploration of Nieto's themes. In one letter, he writes, "…There is a terrible loneliness inside of me—inside my blood—inside my thoughts. It isn’t a lack of feeling, but rather, something much darker. And more terrifying. My love, I am afraid. Do you understand? This is pure loneliness. A feeling of vacancy. As if this “thing” which operates and occupies my brain has fallen into a deep, deep sleep. I want to wake “it” up. I scream. I yell at the top of my lungs, And I have pierced my nails into the spot between my eyebrows. Nothing. Nothing at all…This yellow room is devouring me, drinking me…" Nieto's use of language is both beautiful and haunting, and his poems linger in the mind long after they have been read. "Never To Bedlam" is a difficult book to read at times, but it is also a necessary one. Nieto's story is a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles, and that there is hope for healing even in the darkest of times. His book is a testament to the power of art to heal and transform, and it is a must-read for anyone who has ever struggled with grief and the severe depression and uncertainty that the death of a loved one can cause.”
¡Di/Mas with Dimas!
Listen to Dimas read from several of his poems. New episodes with Guests coming [very] soon!
Ah. Take these poems, wherever they take you…
Believe in yourself, wherever your self lives;
Be it in those heaving leaves,
Or in the arms of your permanent love…
Griffin Trust for Excellence in Poetry: “Never To Bedlam”
Dimas' third poetry collection, "Never to Bedlam," emerges as a poignant exploration of the human condition, particularly through the lens of personal tragedy and growth. Following a four-year hiatus from submitting poetry, Dimas returns with a voice that is not only reflective of his maturity as a poet but also indicative of a profound shift in his perspective on life. This collection serves as a cathartic outlet for Dimas as he navigates the complexities of mental health struggles, the devastating loss of his father due to dementia, and the existential fears of aging and being forgotten. At the heart of "Never to Bedlam" lies a deep exploration of identity—Dimas grapples with the duality of being a son and an aspiring writer. In his evocative poem "The Last Marionette," Dimas captures the essence of this struggle, illustrating the conflict between familial duties and personal aspirations. The lines, “It was I, who chose to be a son and not a writer,” resonate with readers who understand the weight of responsibility toward loved ones, especially in times of crisis. The imagery of flowers arranged with care but offered as gifts from an absent relative encapsulates the grief and irony of familial relationships marred by illness. The haunting line, “Apparitions are funny when they are family,” reflects the bittersweet nature of memories that linger long after a loved one has passed, highlighting how Dimas' role as a caregiver often overshadowed his identity as a poet. Other standout pieces in this collection, such as "The Truth the Dead Know," "Astral," and "The Leather Book," similarly delve into the chaos of grief and the search for meaning amid turmoil. Dimas’ ability to weave vulnerability and strength into his work renders his poetry both relatable and impactful, allowing readers to connect with his emotional landscape. The collection serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, showcasing how art can emerge from the depths of despair.
Looking forward, the anticipation surrounding Dimas' forthcoming Spanish collection, "Los Nietos," promises to offer a contrasting narrative to the themes explored in "Never to Bedlam." Dimas' decision to separate these collections speaks to his awareness of the complexity of human emotion and experience. While "Never to Bedlam" confronts loss, grief, and the fragility of existence, "Los Nietos" is framed as a celebration of love and lineage. The title, which translates to "The Grandchildren," embodies Dimas' desire to honor his ancestors while also committing to personal growth for the benefit of future generations. The intertwining of familial themes and Dimas' father's last name, "Nieto," adds an enriching layer of intimacy to this new collection, connecting past and future in a profound gesture of love. In conclusion, "Never to Bedlam" stands as a powerful reflection of Dimas' journey through pain and healing, capturing the essence of what it means to grapple with identity, loss, and the intricacies of familial bonds. As readers engage with his work, they are invited to witness the beauty that can arise from chaos and the strength that emerges from vulnerability. Dimas’ evolution as a poet is not only evident in the depth of his writing but also in his ability to convey universal themes that resonate with anyone who has faced the trials of love, loss, and the quest for self-discovery. With "Los Nietos" on the horizon, readers eagerly anticipate the next chapter in Dimas' literary journey, hopeful for the love and warmth that will undoubtedly accompany his exploration of family and legacy.
N.W REVIEW PRESS:
FROM BEING ANNE SEXTON’S DISCIPLE TO A WRITER ENVISIONING HIS OWN PATH; “LOS NIETOS”
Dimas Nieto's forthcoming poetry collection, "Los Nietos," is poised to resonate deeply with readers, offering an intimate exploration of familial lineage and legacy. Following a four-year hiatus from submitting poetry, Nieto returns with a renewed vigor, building upon the momentum of his recent award-winning collection, "Never to Bedlam." In this new work, he showcases not only his evolution as a poet but also his capacity to tackle profound themes with emotional depth and intellectual rigor. "Los Nietos" serves as a significant departure from the somber tones of "Never to Bedlam," which grappled with grief and the complexities of mental health following the loss of his father. Instead, this new collection shifts focus towards the themes of familial legacy and the intricacies of breaking generational patterns. The title itself, translating to "The Grandchildren," holds profound personal significance as it reflects Nieto's desire to honor his lineage while simultaneously setting the groundwork for his future role as a father and the legacy he wishes to pass down. This poignant connection to his family's history is emblematic of Nieto's growth as both an individual and a poet, illustrating a journey towards understanding and acceptance. A standout poem, "Buscando Guanajuato" or "Looking for Guanajuato," encapsulates the essence of Nieto's longing to reconnect with his deceased loved ones. Through vivid imagery and emotional resonance, Nieto transports readers into his earliest memories, revealing a heartfelt yearning that transcends time and space. This poem is not merely an exploration of nostalgia; it also serves as a vessel for healing, as Nieto processes his grief in a manner that feels both personal and universally relatable. Moreover, "Los Nietos" delves into the complexities of intersectionality, providing a voice to the experiences of those born to immigrant parents while navigating the dualities of queerness, racism, and homophobia. These themes, which Nieto approached with caution in his earlier works, are now presented with unabashed honesty and courage. His four-year hiatus has not only allowed him to refine his craft but has also catalyzed a transformative journey of self-discovery and empowerment. This newfound confidence enables him to confront and articulate the multifaceted nature of his identity and experiences, inviting readers into a dialogue that is both timely and necessary. As we eagerly await the release of "Los Nietos" this September, there is an undeniable sense of anticipation surrounding Nieto's work. His previous collection garnered critical acclaim, and there is little doubt that this new offering will be received with equal, if not greater, praise. Dimas Nieto's ability to weave together personal narrative with broader societal themes positions him as a vital voice in contemporary poetry. "Los Nietos" promises to not only celebrate the richness of familial legacy but also challenge readers to reflect on their own relationships with heritage, identity, and the patterns that shape us. In a literary landscape that increasingly values authenticity and vulnerability, Nieto's work stands as a testament to the power of poetry to connect, heal, and inspire.
Silverfish Review Press: Nieto’s “Never to bedlam”
Dimas Mata Martinez Nieto's highly anticipated third poetry collection, "Never to Bedlam," delves into the complexities of aging and the profound journey of self-discovery. Within the pages of this collection, Nieto eloquently articulates the concept of "becoming," shedding light on the various facets of life that shape our identities. Through his introspective verses, Nieto unveils an exploration of the fear of being forgotten, a sentiment that reverberates throughout his work. Rooted in personal experiences, Nieto grapples with the absence of his ancestral lineage, with the exception of his grandmother, who passed in December 2021, just two months after the loss of his father, whose name he shares. In the poem "All My Pretty Ones," Nieto tenderly renders his profound gratitude towards his grandmother, acknowledging her pivotal role in embracing his femininity and identity as a gay man. This act of acknowledgement and acceptance is a rare and precious gift, one that Nieto cherishes amidst the backdrop of societal prejudices and nonconformity. In a cultural milieu where acceptance of queer Latinos remains scarce, Nieto's tribute stands as a testament to the power of unconditional love and support. Moreover, the award-winning poem "Astral" serves as a poignant triptych, delineating three transformative events that have indelibly shaped Nieto's being. From the traumatic loss of his father, where Nieto's desperate attempts at resuscitation echo the ache of irreparable loss, to a harrowing assault which Nieto endured as a teenager when he was stalked home by strangers one night, and culminating in a account of a suicide attempt and subsequent hospitalization, Nieto lays bare the rawness of his emotional landscape. These experiences, though marked by pain and struggle, serve as catalysts for Nieto's personal growth and eventual path towards healing. While it may seem paradoxical to label a collection stemming from such profound tragedy as 'beautiful,' Nieto's work transcends mere sorrow, offering a beacon of hope and renewal. In bravely confronting his discomfort and pain, Nieto invites readers to embark on a transformative journey of catharsis and self-acceptance. Through his unflinching honesty and poetic prowess, Dimas Mata Martinez Nieto's "Never To Bedlam" stands as a poignant testament to the enduring power of art to inspire, console, and ultimately, heal.