Yep, I've written a book. It's a collection of thirteen poems based on people I've met and experiences I've had living in downtown Chicago for one semester of my college career. It explores the tiny details that make life interesting and deals with many subjects, including religion, writing, and homeless people.
This book has been a semester-long project. Not only did I write all the poems, but I also handmade the cover and bound the book myself.
If you're interested in buying the book, please fill out the form below. I don't have anymore of the handbound version, but there is also a paperback version, which is $5.
Here's a sample of the poems:
Jesus in Chicago
The last time I saw Jesus
was on Roscoe, as I
skipped hurriedly through
the cold drizzle—
past outdated lawn ornaments,
Santas, red and white blinking candy canes,
and sparkling new pastel condos—
on a rectangular sticker stuck
to the spare tire case of a black SUV,
his name shined out in neon green,
a warning to accept him
or be lost.
Before that I saw him
on the El—dressed
as a middle-aged black
woman wearing all
green, with kind eyes,
who told me Jesus loves me.
Her smile embraced me
when she spoke of eternal
happiness, contentment,
if I would have
a conversation with him,
read John’s gospel,
open my heart.
She smiled—
either pity or hope—
when I said I
think all faiths
have some of the truth
(if there is any
truth at all).
Then I saw him
at the Fireside,
a punk with spiked
red hair, flashing metal
chains, dancing
to the pounding beats
while everyone else
just stood,
too conscious of judging eyes,
unable, for one short dance
to just be.
