Lorna Dee Cervantes

Powerful collection. Had the privilege of sitting in a workshop with Ms. Cervantes years ago and it turned out to be one of the experiences that helped shape my own writing and scholarship.

These poems unveil a terrain that cannot be separated from historical, traumatic, cultural, moral, and family winds that swirl around it. These poems are about as close and intimate a reader can get to seeing each emotional force tugging at another - without being that person.

Enjoyed the language - the many flower and bird references. The poems were very personal - some almost embarrassingly so. I felt I was reading someone's diary, but feel privileged to have seen such personal, private pain and beauty.

I just discovered my new favorite poem. My favorites were the ones she wrote on love. Very insightful.