Undertow is the title of my first collection of poems, a chapbook comprised of 20 pages that I published in 2011 with the help of a local print shop, Copy Corner. That was 13 years ago. It was difficult to choose the poems for this book, but I had encouragement from my critique group at the time. It helped that two other members of our group were going through the same process. We all managed to complete chapbooks and arranged our own book launch together at The Jessel Gallery where we presented our work to the public.
In the picture above we are meeting customers at the old Copperfield’s store here in Napa. The old store was big enough to host quarterly readings. I remember feeling so proud of myself to be reading from my little book rather than a piece of paper. Copperfield’s has since moved their location to downtown.
My favorite poem from Undertow is written as a make-believe letter to a friend, to help her put aside her negative thoughts and get on with her life, but as humans sometimes do we create “friends” to send a message to ourselves.
The Positive Properties of Rocks
I once wrote a friend about the positive properties of rocks
You see she was having trouble
with stabilization
I thought
if she could just think about rocks
that would ground her
I suggested meditation
Rock, ROCK, ROCK
“There are rocks in your head” she said
“But there are bees buzzing in yours”
Many days found her alone at her desk
listening to the buzz and nothing else
Eventually the buzzing was so bad
the fuzzy outlines of her dreams were affected
and her mornings did not contain light
One day I went to her
and placed a rock in her hand
something about the jagged edges
scared her
Instead of letting go she squeezed
as hard as I’ve ever seen anybody
squeeze anything
Bees zoomed out her ears
I still search for interesting rocks and find it gratifying to squeeze them. Try it! You, too, might get the rocks out of your head.
If you are interested in buying a copy of this book, it is available locally at The Jessel Gallery or contact me for a signed copy.
I would love a signed copy of your book.
A poet does with words, what an artist does with images.
An artist friend, Sue
Thank you, Sue! I’d love to send you one. Email me with your current address and I’ll send you details.
I’ve always loved that poem. And that picture takes me back in time. I miss Patsy. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Amber! Yes. I miss Patsy too, and sitting next her was Barbara Moehring. That was before you joined our group. They both created chapbooks, and they both have passed on. Lovely ladies.
Sometimes I feel like I have rocks in my head too.
Thanks for the comment, Sis. Ha! The rocks in your head are hereditary!
Love that poem!
A clever poem that’s fun to read.
I love this first poetry collection! Such inspiring imagery. What a way you have with words. I am contemplating other images for stabilization and what else a good rock squeeze could eliminate from my head???