DreamBones, a collection of poems by Shelia Campbell, which I edited and designed, has been awarded first place in Press Women of Texas' annual communications contest. The award is given every year to the editor of a trade book.The judges wrote: "There is a great deal of imagination on display here. Campbell clearly shows promise as a poet and exhibits a knack for concise, effective imagery. De la Rosa is an effective editor who demonstrates equal talent and potential at her craft."
Four years' labor went into the organization and final book presentation of this collection. During that time, I never tired of reading these poems, even when that reading was a part of necessary work and not initiated for pleasure. In fact, re-reading these poems never felt repetitive. They remain: alive.
One of DreamBones' readers, Rosario Lázaro, wrote: "With each re-reading of these poems, I encounter more layers and shades of meaning--feelings displayed on fabric with pinpoints and on the skin of the poet's soul with fire. Both sensitive and strong, sometimes the contrasts in the poems are difficult to reconcile. It's been a long time since I've read poems this beautiful, that give me so much joy--or in some cases, evoke so much pain. What an accomplishment!"
I would be hard pressed to declare a personal favorite among DreamBones' centenar de poemas, but I include one here that has special meaning for me.
THE ARCHETYPAL GAZER SAYS
hang loose
like the cat eyeing the mousehole
take stance
somewhere between sharp point and soft eraser
on the productive level of perception
balance weight
on the high trapeze
able to look in more than one direction
to see what is
for what is
to see self
ripe for the unfolding
then wait
wait for the awakening
the well in the desert
filling your cup
the oasis becoming part of you
*********************************************
For more information on DreamBones.
Where to purchase.
Reprinted with permission from DreamBones, copyright 2005 Artis Lingua.
Comments