Seven and Deadly

Vice and Virtue Behind the Veil

M. A. Molani

“You told me it was a ring

I didn’t realize it went around my neck.”

—collared

Seven and Deadly is a daring, defiant, and darkly witty debut poetry collection that speaks to all women navigating the treacherous terrain of morality and inner conflict amid societies wrought with misogyny, violence, and apathy. Serving as both commentary and catharsis, this collection explores modern vice, vulnerability, and escapism through the lens of the seven deadly sins—Wrath, Pride, Sloth, Lust, Gluttony, Greed, and Envy. Through provocative stanzas and vivid imagery, these poems invite (and unite) women to probe their own often-secret failings and indulgences while finding empathy and even redemption in the act of naming them.

Mariam Molani’s voice is unflinchingly raw yet beautifully lyrical, giving language to women who crave connection, community, and vindication as they carry the weight of being imperfect in an imperfect world. Seven and Deadly is both introspective and universal, mirroring the complexities of being a woman—and boldly encouraging us take a machete to clear the wild and winding path to authenticity.

Mariam Molani, DO, MBA, is a physician, scientist, and writer. A triple-board certified pathologist, she completed her medical training at UT Southwestern in Dallas, Texas, and serves as a diagnostician and medical director for laboratories across the United States. Beyond medicine, she is a contemporary poet and essayist whose work explores themes of morality, power, and the intersections of science, nature, and art. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, daughter, and geriatric wiener dog. This is her first book of poetry.