The Performance of Becoming Human

The Performance of Becoming Human is the third collection of poetry written by Daniel Borzutzky. It explores the theme of violence committed by the state against its citizens, often combining mundane phraseology and jokes with grotesque imagery. The collection was given the National Book Award for poetry in 2016, and has been likened to Neruda's reaction to state-sanctioned violence in Chile. Borzutky's poems have been called un-poetic.

The question "Can a Poem Make the World a Better Place?" was posted by Borzutzky, who ponders if the expression of poetry can thwart the internal feelings of darkness and loneliness felt by those who emigrate.