Poetry That Matters

The title may appear presumptuous, but it references the need for poetry to address the demands of the day, when society turns its head from injustice and thinks of reality in terms of superstition. It's time to pay attention to modern cruelties and violence, and to science without the jargon that often impedes understanding. Obligatory themes of love, nature, friends and family are seen here, too, but in fresh light--as are the truly great myths of the past. The poetic expression of John Burciaga is a vital voice for our time. He encourages us to expand our perspective and break the chains of our biases. John's emotive work guides us on a journey of compassion that awakens our humanity. He hones in on the contemporary challenges and through the power of metaphor encourages us to face them. By eloquently reframing current situations as mirrors of myths he reminds us of the values of the heart; those essential sympathies from which our higher selves arise. In Modern Madonna he speaks to the mother of Emmett Till, "Yours Mamie, So young to be so far from home" as she holds him in her arms, a present day Pieta.