Seham Ayyad is a poet and writer from Chicago with a bachelor’s degree in creative writing from Columbia College. She blends her creative storytelling with personal experience in her debut poetry novel, Pretty Poison.
In Pretty Poison, Seham Ayyad delivers a bold and empowering poetic journey through falling in love, heartbreak, resilience, and self-discovery. Told with fierce honesty and lyrical grace, this collection captures the evolution of a woman who refuses to be defined by pain. Through each “strike,” she transforms from the lonely girl craving love into a self-assured woman who wears her strength like armor and her scars like art. Ayyad’s poems pulse with raw emotion and unapologetic confidence—exploring themes of vulnerability, betrayal, and rebirth with both fire and tenderness. They remind readers that even when the world tries to silence you, your voice remains your greatest weapon. Pretty Poison is an anthem for anyone who has ever been underestimated, hurt, or doubted—and found beauty in their healing. It is about learning to stand tall, to shine from within, and to love yourself so fiercely that the world cannot help but take notice. Feminine, fearless, and unforgettable—Pretty Poison is poetry for the modern soul learning to bloom after the burn.
