A Socially Acceptable Breakdown

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By Patrick Roche ’14

Published Oct. 19, 2021

Roche’s debut poetry collection, A Socially Acceptable Breakdown (Button Poetry), draws on the struggle of coping with emotions and experiences that may not be fully accepted in society — like mental illness, grief, sexuality, and more — and learning to dismantle the stigma surrounding them.

Paw in print

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PAW’s December 2025 cover, with a photo of Michael Park ’98.
The Latest Issue

December 2025

Judge Michael Park ’98; shifts in DEI initiatives; a night at the new art museum.