“In this stunning collection, Jerome Gagnon exalts evidence of the ‘enduring mutable.’ Spell of the Ordinary is a contemplative song that modulates between Gregorian chant and blues hymn.  Here you will find beauty in discord and discard, loveliness in the moment and in the minute…”

– Lana Hechtman Ayers, author of The Dead Boy Sings in Heaven 

News

Happy to announce that my chapbook, “Spell of the Ordinary,” is scheduled to be published by Finishing Line Press and will be available to order.  (Please click here to order.)  Thank you to Tony Sanchez for designing such an eye-catching cover and to everyone who shared their thoughtful comments about my work.  Thanks also to the editors of those journals where several of the poems first appeared — their notes were always encouraging.  Last, my gratitude to Director Leah Maines, Senior Editor Christen Kinkaid, and the dedicated staff at Finishing Line Press for their work in bringing out this volume and so many others.   

Reed Magazine’s 150th issue is out and it’s a beauty.  Over three hundred pages of engaging poetry, fiction, nonfiction, art, and profiles.  Honored that they selected “Some Ways Into Joy” to appear in the Anniversary edition.  A celebration/reading will take place on the evening of September 22 in the Rotunda of San Jose City Hall.

Editor Daniel J. Rice selected “Crow Makes a Scene,” for the new anthology from Riverfeet Press, “Awake in the World.”  Love the cover (image by Creative Pear Graphic) — it reminds me of my old Boy Scout manual.  Chris Dombrowski, author of “Body of Water,” says, “Leave room in your dry-bag, boat box, rucksack, even fishing vest, for this rich collection of voices.”  Among my favorites, poetry by Matt Hohner and Gwen McNeir.

Editor Judy Bolz selected “Pieces, Some Blue” for the latest issue of Poet Lore (“America’s oldest poetry journal”).  Due shortly.