Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Ain't These Sorrows Sweet Cover Reveal and Preorder Link

I am thrilled to share the beautiful cover for my forthcoming poetry collection, Ain't These Sorrows Sweet from Roadside Press. The art was done by the talented Beth Barnett - many thanks to her! 

The book is now available for preorder for $15 (USD). Reserve your copy now!


SAMPLE POEM 

Things My Uncles Made in Prison

Two out of three sons spent most of their lives in prison. 
Both former altar boys, they were more devout 
when they were inside; they talked to their mother more, 
making collect calls, and quoting scripture in their letters, 
which she kept in a drawer along with a green plastic rosary, 
yet another carceral memento, and Polaroid portraits of them 
in their prison blues, taken by inmate photographers. 
I think of their hands, holding the pen, fingering the beads, 
growing old before their time, fashioning objects 
that they intended to set loose, like doves at a funeral. 
The gifts arrived, packed carefully in newspaper and cardboard, 
metal folk art made with old horseshoes, bolts, and washers; 
drawings of Christ, ballpoint on yellow wide-rule; 
wooden picture frames carved with hearts; 
pendants on leather cords; a lighter case because 
she still smoked Kools; and a music box shaped like a piano, 
its interior lined in mauve velvet. She kept the latter 
on top of her dresser. Its steel and brass movement 
played a tune I can’t remember. 



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