Preface to Contemplation in the High Desert I am blessed to live in a high desert sanctuary where the sun shines more than 325 days a year, where the blue vaulted sky sports the most spectacular clouds and the night sky twinkles with ecstatic brilliance. Add to that the indescribably beautiful New Mexico landscape that draws artist and writers from all over the world. Within that context, I often find my head in the clouds whether walking the city streets, a desert arroyo or a Ponderosa Pine trail. For me, the New Mexico landscape is sacred ground. To share this space with the soul of Rumi is a blessing. I became intimately acquainted with Rumi (13th century Sufi mystic and poet) over the past 12 years, sharing moments of quiet reading and reflection when one retreats from the tasks of daily living. Rumi resonates with my heart and soul as I sit in my rocking chair at home, as I sit by my morning campfire, as I sit in a natural hot spring in the mountains, as I sit by a river gently flowing past, as I sit under a Juniper Tree in the middle of the winter desert. No matter where I read Rumi, I am always inspired to write quatrains in response to the lyrics of wisdom that sing to me. He makes me laugh and cry, stand in righteous indignation, tremor with ecstatic joy and sometimes I dance, especially at home. All of these emotions flow into four line verses that respond to whatever touches me in that moment. I did not start writing quatrains with the intent of publishing a book. My dear friend and colleague, Debbi Brody, would see a few of them every year when we attended the annual writers festival at Ghost Ranch Conference and Retreat Center in Northern New Mexico. She always said, “You need to put these together in a book.” So I finally listened to that gentle nudge of Spirit coming through Debbi. When I put the quatrains together as a collection, I realized the significance of what I had been doing for so many years. I was unfolding spiritually at a pace I could handle. Contemplation in the High Desert has become a love offering to all who spend time in quiet reflection, contemplation or meditation. Each quatrain stands alone and may be used to start or end your day. If you are a writer, I hope it provides prompts to jump start your writing. If you are an artist, I hope it stimulates your creative juices. Regardless, I hope these quatrains stimulate your inner journey of self. Most of all, I hope they provide a partner to sit with and simply reflect on life. I invite you to sit in a quiet space that gives you solace and taste the flavors of these quatrains. You may find some that will tickle your taste buds. The menu is diverse. Indulge yourself and may you find something that nourishes your Spirit. Teresa E. Gallion May the Blessings Be September, 2011

Contemplation in the High Desert: Quatrains inspired by the Poetry of Rumi

Literature & Fiction

Gallion, Teresa E.

Poetry

Inner Child Press, ltd.

Dr. John R. Strum aka Bob is a Passionate and Avid Writer / Poet with a Professional background in Psychiatry. Bob’s verse employs all aspects of his experiences and his formal education in the examination of many subjects. Within the weaving of his lines and stanzas there are some very subtle yet profound insights he lends to the reader which set them on a path of their own discovery of self. The reader will have an opportunity contemplate and reflect on Bob’s subject matter and unique perspectives. All of Bob’s work may appear to be borne of his own journey, however the astute reader will see pieces of themselves dancing merrily within his metaphors and adjectives. Have fun . . . may your journey be a richly rewarding as the wonderful poetry of Dr. John R. Strum.

Old Wine: the Poetry of Dr. John R. Strum

Strum, Dr. John R.

Unbelievably, Alfreda D. Ghee has only been writing Poetry for a little under one year. To say she is a “Quick Study” is an understatement. In such a short period of time she has garnered and extensive following of readers who find that her special Poetic Way of expressing herself is meaningful to their own personal experiences. Alfred aka Freddi bares her heart within the lines of her poetry to include her Joys, her Disappointments and all aspects of her own challenges when it comes to Love. She writes extensively on Relationship, which encompass her Desires and her Experiences. There is a quiet wisdom that seeps through the lines of her verse that will touch you the Reader. . . . Enjoy !

Whispers of Love

Ghee, Alfreda D.

My Reflections and Poems

Cruz, Norberto

ForewordI have had the utmost pleasure in not only calling Jill Delbridge a friend, but a very close one, more like a Sister to me. There is not enough space or the proper words to capture her essence in a Foreword. The Multi-Faceted, Jill Delbridge is a beautiful and extremely talented lady that has taken many young writers under her gentle wings and mentored them gracefully. She is a natural Giver and to know her, is to love her.As for her own writing, it is thoughtful, deep and laden with profound messages that the readers may apply to their own lives as well as a feeling of familiarity as she lets you into her world.Whether she is writing about the plight of the Home-less, Racism or a Lovers quarrel, Ms. Delbridge has the natural ability to not only paint a vivid picture so that we may see but she captures all five senses in the reader. Her style may be considered by some, as Eclectic and I'd like to add that her use of Metaphors is strong and her vocabulary is prolific.

Love Wise

Delbridge, Jill

Foreword I have never met Monte Smith in person. I met him and first heard his work on an online radio show. He read a poem from his book, "Don't Shoot the Hostages," and, while I can't recall which poem it was, I do recall that my reaction was so gut-felt, I could barely breathe. His poem and his passion broke my heart, made me furious and excited. I cried and smiled and listened. My mind said, "Pay attention! You are hearing one of the best poets writing today." My mind also said, "I wish I'd written that." That same night, too inflamed to sleep, I sent emails to everyone I could think of who reads and loves poetry. I sent emails because, if I'd run outside and yelled, "THIS IS THE REAL THING PEOPLE--THE REAL THING! READ IT AND WEEP! READ IT AND START A REVOLUTION!" they would put me in a strait jacket and haul me away. I can count on one hand the names of new poets who have so impressed me that I couldn't wait to read their books and begged for a pdf to tide me over until I received the real thing. That is what I did. I wrote to order a book and, while waiting, couldn't wait so I asked if he could send me a pdf. I had to read more, experience more of this electrifying new poet. I received the hard copy book-a beautiful book, by the way-and, inside of a week, it was dog-eared and spine broken from being read again and again.Now, I am presented with this new book, BLEEDING EVERY WORD. Monte Smith's voice is again crystal clear, marked with pain and anger and disillusionment and betrayal and love, yes Love with a capital "L." Because in all the other tonalities of his voice, the overriding tone is LOVE-for what should be, what could be, what needs to be. His voice is that of a father, not only of his own daughter, but the father in protest that so have had and, sadly ignored, laughed at, or killed. He is that knowing/seeing father as Malcom X was our father, as Bukowski was our father, as Baldwin and Emmett Till were our fathers. His work carries inside it the sadness and outrage of years that hosted the deaths of The Mississippi Five and those who died at Sand Creek and Wounded Knee, Matthew Shepherd and Harvey Milk, the Shafia Sisters, Denise McNair, Cynthia Wesley, Carole Robertson and Addie Mae Collins. When he reacts to global war, you hear the gunfire, feel the ugly heat of battle for the sake of battle, war that lines the pockets of the privileged. He writes about these things, he tells us, ...because western civilization equals white domination...because the mark of the beast isn't 666, it's the cross around your neck...because there's blood in this poetry and I want you taste it.When he weeps in frustration at the emotional and material poverty of his world, he grabs his readers by the shirt collars and demands that they have the good graces to weep with him. If what he sees and makes us see, does not make us weep, we have no souls. He feels the kind of poverty that we know exists in places like Reading Pennsylvania, Bennett Freeze Area, Arizona, Pico-Union District, Los Angles, CA, Calhoun, West VA and Aulander, North Carolina. He feels the poverty of the mind and soul that is all around us everywhere. He says: "Now, since nobody can buy shit, everybody is realizing they don't look like the people in the movies, they're not eating in the same restaurants they see celebrities eating in on TV and everybody hates themselves. He says: Look around, this human eat human system isn't meant for the living, it's beating, raping and choking everything pure in the hearts of our children, in return killing anything good they had worth giving. Look around, everything alive isn't living... it's more like barely existing.I can tell you very little else about this alarming, amazing, wonderful poet. Read this book, then read it again. Then, for gods sakes, put the book down and go DO something about our world. Martina Reisz NewberryPalm Springs, CA June 2012

Bleeding Every Word: A Collection of Poems, Rants and Interviews

Smith, Monte

PrefaceIn reading The Poetry, Prose, Prayers and Stories, and being a contributor myself to this, Healing Through Words Anthology, I soon realized the Power of Words. Their ability to heal is very real. The Power attached to every syllable expels pain, offers a common ground and comfort. The words shared have the ability to change our world, when we embrace and allow. In some passages, the contributing Authors employed a cathartic perspective for release of our common challenges. In other passages Blessings and / or Prayers for Peace are offered. Throughout the pages of this Beautiful Book, there is a healing word or words for everyone. In our humanity I pray that we share them. I have personally spoken to some of these Authors and I know where their heart is. Their common language is that of Love, delivered to mankind on a Cosmic and Human level, by offering healing and the knowing that we are not alone. Wherever you reside in this world and throughout All Society, we have come together to offer these words of power to you. In today's world, there is an abundant clearing of pain / darkness from our consciousness, as we ready ourselves for enlightened days. We have been shaking off the old and allowing the new. Within these pages, I see that more and more. The pieces in this book have been selected, so that you too may know, that you are not alone. You are a significant part of this Global Community, and we have come together, with shared experiences through poetry, prayers and stories, to acknowledge that we are One.Namaste'Janet P. Caldwell

Healing Through Words: Poetry ...Prose ...Prayers ...Stories

Writers, The Anthological

Peters Sr., William S.

Foreword  Siddartha Beth Pierce opens all your poetic senses in her book, I Do.  Her imagery is so sharp it could cut through stone.  Not only does her poetry strike all the heart’s strings, she also includes original art that’s equally as breathtaking.  The poetry and visual art marries in this comfortable middle space where the common place and extraordinary meet to dance and compare notes.  You will feel like you’re being walked into a labyrinth of secrets you didn’t know had answers.  Yet, Pierce doesn’t give up the ghost easily.  Even though her themes are accessible by the casual reader, to those who like to dig a little (or a great deal) deeper will find jewels of whimsy and wisdom worth the second, third, or fourth readings.  I Do is a volume you don’t pick up and read from cover-to-cover like some pulp fiction.  You digest it slowly and let the colors, smells, sounds, and divine spark flow from the pages then sink firmly into your consciousness.    Pierce speaks to you in a comforting, familiar tone as if you’ve been her friend for years.  She’s never garish or thumbing anyone in the eye to prove a point.  This is a poet who introduces you to the most private parts of herself, reminds you why you adore Mozart, and how spiritual the mundane can be when placed under the right light.  These poems illuminate an ethereal part of human nature that always wants to love better, know more, and care with greater intensity about how words are used.  Pierce’s deliberate use of language appears effortless, but the design is far from it.  I Do is a book of poetry that deserves a place on the bookshelf, but more importantly, it’s better on the nightstand when a bit of beauty and grace are needed to brush off a bad day.  Clifford Brooks  author of The Draw of Broken Eyes & Whirling Metaphysics   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  Preface  ‘I Do’ is a compilation of poems and artworks created over the last ten years.  It is a compilation of works that explore humanity, writing, science and what it means to ‘do’.  It is my hope, as author and artist, that anyone who reads this book may find something of themselves and/or something to relate to whether visually or in print that is satisfying and fulfilling.  There is an exploration within this text of relationships, how we should treat one another kindly always, sharing and caring.  The sensual undertakings we experience are also revered within these paintings, drawings and poems.  My artistic endeavors both visually and literary are shared here and it is my hope that you may find something worthwhile in these explorations to warm your heart, soul and mind.  ‘Philosophy begins in wonder and wonder is the duty of the Philosopher.’   ~  Aristotle  Blessings and creative perusing to all that take the time to discover some of themselves within this work of poetry and visual arts.  ~ Siddartha Beth Pierce

I Do: The Coffee Table Edition

Pierce, Siddartha Beth

Preface In my first book of expressions, you'll hear an assorted tone of voices. Most of my life I have been a bit of a recluse. Many days I have sat near a window praying to the sunrise, with praises and with pleas to God for my voice to be heard. Being a person who has had many trials in life, I experienced many moods, emotions and awakenings. I am an emotional writer and I hope that the tones will set each voice free. Most writers have a passion for what they do, I find myself sometimes having no choice. Writing is more than a passion, a force field within that has become habitual as a way to cope with the trials I have endured. I've been sad, I've been angry, disgusted, torn, confused, lost and searching. It is within my written expression that I have found myself time and time again. As you take a read, it is my prayers being answered, my voice being heard. May it resonate of truth, feelings and love. I have cried all my life; each teardrop created is a poem. I hope that what I have experienced will not be in vain, it is my only desire to be that voice for myself and for those who have been silenced.Elle

My First Poetry Book: Shantelle 'elle' McLin

McLin, Shantelle Elle

Preface Untamed Pen is a book of my thoughts and my words. The majority of this book is based on actual events. Most of it is about myself, and some of it about others. There are also some Poems that are based on themes I was given to write about. Throughout the book you will read my Haikus, Acrostics, Free Verse and other spoken word pieces that will grab the your attention. UNTAMED PEN will make you laugh, it will make you cry, it will make you angry, and it will stimulate you. By the time you, the reader, get to the end of this book, there will be at least one poem that you can relate to. Enjoy LeeLee

Untamed Pen

Wiley, Lisa 'LeeLee'

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