Carol graser’s Poetry Published by FootHills Publishing

FootHills Publishing is pleased to announce the release of The Wild Twist of Their Stems a collection of poems by Carol Graser.

“As a longtime home schooling parent of three, this work is inspired and informed by the many mothers I’ve spent afternoons with, talking about and observing the incredible strength and creativity it takes to remain allies to our children. These are ecphrastic poems; attempts to describe the absolute artistry of raising children well. This collection is also a rough chronicle of the birth of my fourth child, from just before pregnancy, through birth and toddlerhood and, finally, to a young boy protesting the invasion of Iraq. ”

Carol Graser is an alumnus of Binghamton University where she studied under Milton Kessler. Her poetry has appeared in many literary, parenting and locals arts publications. She organizes and hosts a monthly poetry reading series at Saratoga Springs’ historic Caffe Lena. Begun in 2003, these popular readings have featured an exciting range of poets from across the country. She performs her work at many poetry venues around the state as well as at anti-war rallies and other community events. Originally from Plattsburgh, NY, she now lives with her family at the southern end of the Adirondacks in Galway.

THE WILD TWIST OF THEIR STEMS

Like two fresh Buddhas they sit
on the top bunk, conspiring play
two Believers
two Thin Air Breathers
scalps closer to roof tops
than mine ever is

She bubbles in like a bent-leg dancer
a flesh splasher
I’m the never-let-you-go catcher
but I always let her go

He’s the larger and climbs on his own
down to the rough rug, plant of our feet
He’s the bold spirited leaper I apprenticed with

I live like a gardener
doggedly tending the wild twist of their stems
fending off what I can of disease
It is impossible work
rooted where they are
and though their beauty demands
more strength than I lately possess
still I persist
in refusing to abandon the effort

The Wild Twist of Their Stems is a 68 page hand-sewn book with spine – $14.00
For more information, a picture of the book or to order on-line go to: http://www.foothillspublishing.com/2007/id177.htm

To order through mail send total price plus $1.75 Shipping and Handling ($2.25 in Canada; $3.25 other countries) for each address sent to.  NYS Residents please add $1.12 Sales Tax per book.  Send orders to: FootHills Publishing, PO Box 68, Kanona, NY 14856.