James R. Whitley's Poetry Spot

 

 

                  Praise for The Goddess of Goodbye 

"James R. Whitley, who tells in one poem of a fallen priest, writes as a kind of fallen priest himself, one who finds more eloquence in the mess of everyday experience than he ever would have in a lofty pulpit. Still, a sanctity remains; everything he looks on is blessed. This is an accomplished, unsparing, and inspiring book of poems."

         --Kate Bernadette Benedict, Editor, Umbrella

Word Press, 2009

Available at Amazon, Powell's and Barnes & Noble

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                    Praise for This Is the Red Door 

 * WINNER OF THE IRONWEED PRESS POETRY PRIZE *

  * WINNER OF THE MASSACHUSETTS BOOK AWARD *

"This Is the Red Door" is an opening for the reader, a portal into a mind, an entry (or perhaps a descent) into a fuller understanding of hunger.  What guides this collection of poems is its reckoning with hunger, the primal need for the beloved whose presence once sustained, as now the absence of whom devastates. What survives, though -- lucky for us as readers -- are these poems."

                --Shara McCallum, author of Song of Thieves

Ironweed Press, 2009

Available at Amazon

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 * WINNER OF THE NAOMI LONG MADGETT POETRY AWARD *

"Leading the reader in a matador's dance between victimizer and victim, artist and subject, heroism and betrayal, James Whitley's imaginative personae and resolute energies help us locate the possible light despite the often dark 'chore of breathing.' These poems offer a welcome immersion in complexity, a highly original voice."

                     --Terry Blackhawk, author of Escape Artist

Lotus Press, 2002

Available at WSU Press, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.

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"The Golden Web opens onto a poetical world rife with diverse animal imagery, intellectual exploration and finely crafted storytelling. In this small, enchanting chapbook, James R. Whitley examines big questions of the heart as well as the mind. That is, the author delves into universal themes, such as fear, love, death, myth, and anger. Readers will be moved by the author's sensibility, clarity of voice and respect for his subject matter. Poetry and animal lovers everywhere must read The Golden Web."

                     --Peggy Ann Tartt, author of Among Bones

Wind River Press Chapbook Series, 2003

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Maryland State Literary and Poetry Society Award

Finalist

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National Looking Glass Poetry Chapbook Competition

Finalist 

 

Pudding House Publications Chapbook Series, 2001