Today’s excerpt comes from the newest chapbook from Mr. Matthew J. Hall – Pigeons and Peace Doves.  I am excited to present this work to you for a number of reasons – Matthew is both a friend and collaborator (click over to Screaming with Brevity, his website and blog to see more of his work and small press reviews) and I was thrilled when this collection of poems won a competition held by Blood Pudding Press. Shortly after this was announced, he contacted me and asked me to create a work of art for the cover – my very first cover design! – and I was (and continue to be) so honored. As the cover artist, I got to preview the poems and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole chapbook. Several poems in the collection inspired this collage, but this poem,”This City is Sad and Angry”, became the foundation.

Pop over to the Blood Pudding Press Store – here is the link for Pigeons and Peace Doves in particular – to see all of their hand-made chapbook offerings. If you do buy a chapbook from them, not only do you get to read some fabulous poetry, but you can also check off a number of boxes under the heading of “virtuous buying” – small press, independent authors and artists, hand-made, unique, book arts…

Collage and composition by me. Enjoy!