Splitting the Soil

 I’m pleased to share that my first book of poems (a chapbook), is now available from Finishing Line Press.  Years ago, I had a press lined up to print my book, but things didn’t work out.  At the time, I was crushed.  But in the end, it was a good thing, as this collection is much more world-worthy, meaning the poems are those that not only mean a lot to me, but have been vetted by others (editors) who also found them worthy of sharing.  

It’s not a comfortable thing for me to promote my own work, but I know in the past more than one person has shared with me that a poem resonated with her/him.  And that, to me, is a success.  Being about 90% existentialist, if my words can make one person feel less lonely, less anxious, less “nauseated” in this existence, then I feel I’ve done something good in this world.  The poems in this little collection (a chapbook is usually less than 30 poems), range from nature/gardening, sensuality, birth, pure silliness, to my own found sanctuary. Whether you are a poet or not, I think you’ll find something of interest, and certainly something accessible. 

I make it a habit to line my bookshelves with books (fiction, CNF, poetry) of others.  Finishing Line Press does a lovely job, and several of my Spalding friends, GA poets, and many others have a home here on my own little library in the mountains of north Georgia.  I encourage you to give a book to someone this season — whether it’s mine or not — but share what moves you.  It makes the world a better and less lonely place.