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Gothic Poems to Love & Liberty is a bold and haunting collection of over 250 gothic poems that intertwine love, loss, defiance, and revolution. These verses are steeped in radical and revolutionary themes, exposing the darkness of oppression, the brutality of hierarchies, and the relentless pursuit of autonomy. Blending gothic melancholy with mythological rebellion, this collection breathes new life into legends across the world—Greek, Roman, Sindhi, Russian, Irish, Korean, Māori, Chinese, Japanese, Native American, and beyond. Here, victims rise against their lords, monsters moan in love and rage, and the forsaken cry out for justice. From the cursed gaze of Medusa and the agony of Orpheus to the spectral whispers of Yuki-onna and the tragic devotion of Layla and Majnun, each poem is a testament to resistance, desire, and the struggle against fate. These verses confront social evils—from the objectification of women and the violence of patriarchy to the domination inherent in power structures. Each line pulses with the spirit of defiance—an ode to those who dare to rebel, to love, and to break free. If you are drawn to poetry that challenges, mourns, and ignites, I hope these words resonate with you. And if they do, I would love to hear your thoughts.
Mason Carter belongs to the cadre of poets who transcended the notions of art for art's sake and annihilated their creative capacity in giving voice to the bitter truths existing in society.. Where the exploitative system indoctrinates the notions of psychological slavery and makes us feel this is the only world and worldview to live with, Mason's poetry so strongly pictures that there is another world possible which is more beautiful, just and characterised by love.. A great human being and a century a head of his age in his wisdom and exposure, Mason Carter is a pride and rare resource who will surely create a revolutionary fervour in the young minds via his perfect articulation of truth in his poetry...... I am proud I have got him as my cousin and above all a great friend and comrade!!
- Farooq Shah Syed, Assistant Director (Research) Senate, Pakistan
The words and poetry of Mason Carter are infused with profound wisdom and deep understanding. When I sit quietly with his verses, and allow them to wash over me, I am transformed. They are always beautiful; occasionally they are challenging and disquieting. Mason's sensitivity and insight demand that I see and acknowledge a world of suffering and injustice, and ask me to participate actively and with passion despite my perceived inadequacies, inabilities, and shortcomings. He dreams of a world far more loving, forgiving and wise than the one we see around us, and invites us to dream with him.
- Roger E. Briesch, Illinois,-Public Speaker-Former Directorate Batavia Chamber of Commerce
In Carter's poetry we find the best blend of asceticism and didacticism. As an agent of Social change and emancipation, he uses his gist to convey his message through universal medium of poetry. His love for gothic literature and his soul searching social emancipation requires us to read his poetry twice to fully grasp its deep sense.
- M. Ibrahim Khokhar, Professor, Institute of English Language & Literature, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur Mirs'
I have always been drawn to gothic literature—it has captivated me for as long as I can remember. Edgar Allan Poe has remained one of my greatest inspirations, alongside Bertolt Brecht, P.B. Shelley, and Henry Vaughan. This deep passion led me to pursue a career as a lecturer in the Department of English Literature at Shah Abdul Latif University, Ghotki Campus.
I have been writing poetry since 2012, and now, in 2025, I have amassed a collection of over 250 poems, presented in this anthology, Gothic Poems to Love & Liberty. My work is heavily influenced by the poets I admire, and while I do not dare to compare myself to these literary giants, I hope that echoes of their style, diction, and themes can be found within these pages.
Teaching literature for years has also nurtured my fascination with myths. In this collection, I have incorporated myths and folklore from Greek, Russian, Native American, Mayan, Japanese, Korean, and Sindhi traditions. Each myth is explored through a gothic lens—not merely for its eerie appeal, but as a philosophy, a way of seeing the darkness in beauty and vice versa. I have structured these myth-inspired poems in two ways: the first presents the myth through a gothic perspective, while the second gives voice to a character traditionally seen as monstrous, allowing them to tell their side of the story. These poems touch on themes of feminism—such as my reinterpretation of Medusa—as well as autonomy, social critique, and much more.
Some pieces in this collection stem from my university days—reflections on love, heartbreak, and the lessons learned along the way. This anthology is more than just poetry; it is a mirror of my life, philosophy, and heart. I hope my readers find it thought-provoking and resonant.
Gothic Poems to Love & Liberty is a hauntingly beautiful collection of over 250 poems that weaves together the shadows of gothic literature, the echoes of myths and folklore, and the raw emotions of love, loss, and defiance. Drawing inspiration from legends such as Edgar Allan Poe, P.B. Shelley, and Bertolt Brecht, this anthology explores the beauty in darkness and the darkness in beauty.
These poems breathe life into ancient myths, giving a voice to the silenced and the misunderstood. From Medusa's untold story to tragic tales of doomed love, each piece offers a fresh perspective, blending gothic aesthetics with philosophical depth.
Whether you are a lover of the macabre, a seeker of forgotten myths, or simply someone who finds solace in poetry, this collection invites you to step into its pages and lose yourself in the shadows of words.
