Futurepoem, paperback Publication Date: September 2, 2025 Publisher Marketing: The Downsides is an exploration of pessimism, fear, doubt, and worry as the guides and love languages that they are and can be. A product of filtering out and objectifying the harder parts of life, Oparah's latest work is a reflection on the different ways loss can happen and stain. It is permitted and extended mourning, against the ideas of silver linings, “at least,” and hope as ways out of the present. The Downsides is about remaining exactly where you are, looking at that space, and letting the body feel and name all the ways it is real. It is a conscious, intentional meditation on the heavy, burdensome things we are asked to forget, forgive, move on from, keep, and protect. "In this sly, soulful collection, N/A Oparah carefully crafts an experiment in rhythm, language, and story for us to partake in. The Downsides leaves us with a sense of urgency yet embraces us in its raw power." — Gabriela Jauregui
