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. Wallace Stevens predicted a time when poetry would become a "Necessary Angel". John Burciaga embodies that spirit and celebrates the healing power of poetry.
- Robert Whelan, Poet Laureate of Rockport Massachusetts
If you care about poetry that matters, pick up this book and read it. John Burciaga continues the tradition of speaking truth to power with his fiery verses filled with import, connecting our historical struggles with those of today in a compelling sequence that will keep you turning the page.
- Mark Lipman, U.S. National Beat Poet Laureate (2024-25)
In this luminous and evocative collection, John Burciaga skillfully blends the vastness of space, the calm of nature, and the closeness of family with the timeless resonance of Greek mythology. Through graceful prose and deep insight, Burciaga weaves a tapestry of poetic justice that honors both the human spirit and the universe it inhabits. His steadfast commitment to inclusivity and thoughtful reflection turns each page into a contemplative journey. This work stands as a proof of the transformative power of imagination, showing how myth, memory, and meaning come together in one man's quest for universal understanding and a sense of belonging.
- Edward Carson, Historian, Activist, Author
