Variations on a Theme of Desire

Another late hour—attempting to construct more fractured lines. The time disagrees with me. Feel more like complaining about lack of ideas rather than brainstorming new metaphors. However. Reading over my notebook I found a verse from Isaiah, the prophet falling into memory, into the formation of his path before experience, before transformation to prophet—the epiphany surrounding him in utero:

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.

And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me. (KJV Isaiah 49:1-2)

• Good news: I signed a contract this afternoon with Saint Julian Press who will publish my manuscript, Variations on a Theme of Desire.

Overall, of my three completed collections, frankly I am surprised Variations was the first to be chosen for publication. The middle section of the text takes large liberties with the sonnet form, fragmenting both the intro-octave and the closing-sestet in extreme, modern fashions. (Plus the theme of unrequited love in general can be overwhelming at times for modern readers.)

Regardless, I am happy, very proud to have my work appearing in book form—and now begins the process of tight proof-reading, finding a cover image, and pushing the self promotion buttons. Feeling overwhelmed, yet, in a good way. It all falls down to a sense of fulfillment, acknowledgment and confirmation of goals.