Seasons of Lotus, Seasons of Bone: American Poets Continuum 118

Seasons of Lotus, Seasons of Bone is a groundbreaking anthology of contemporary poetry by Asian American writers. Published in 2018 as part of the American Poets Continuum series, this collection gathers the voices of 38 poets who explore the complexities of the Asian American experience through their unique perspectives and poetic styles.

The title of the anthology evokes the cyclical nature of life and the interconnectedness of all things. "Seasons of Lotus" refer to the lotus flower, a symbol of resilience and purity that has deep roots in Asian cultures. "Seasons of Bone" suggests the strength and fragility of the human body, as well as the ways in which our experiences shape our identities.

Seasons of Lotus, Seasons of Bone (American Poets Continuum Book 118)

by Matthew Shenoda

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	493 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	92 pages
Hardcover	:	80 pages
Item Weight	:	7.2 ounces
Dimensions	:	5 x 0.25 x 8 inches

FREE

The poets in this anthology come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, but they are all united by their shared commitment to exploring the Asian American experience. They write about immigration, identity, family, love, loss, and the search for meaning in a complex and ever-changing world.

The poems in Seasons of Lotus, Seasons of Bone are as diverse as the poets themselves. Some are lyrical and meditative, while others are more experimental and challenging. All of them are deeply personal and moving, offering readers a glimpse into the hearts and minds of these talented writers. The anthology is divided into three sections:

1. "Origins & Legacies"
2. "Migrations & Belongings"
3. "Transformations & Awakenings"

Each section explores a different aspect of the Asian American experience, and the poems within each section are arranged in a way that creates a sense of narrative flow.

The first section, "Origins & Legacies," begins with poems that explore the poets' relationships to their ancestors and their cultural heritage. These poems often deal with themes of immigration, identity, and the search for a sense of belonging.

The second section, "Migrations & Belongings," focuses on the experiences of Asian Americans who have migrated to the United States. These poems explore the challenges and rewards of living in a new country, as well as the ways in which poets have found ways to create a sense of home in a foreign land.

The third section, "Transformations & Awakenings," features poems that explore the ways in which Asian Americans have transformed themselves and their communities. These poems often deal with themes of social justice, activism, and the search for a more just and equitable world.

Seasons of Lotus, Seasons of Bone is an essential anthology for anyone interested in contemporary American poetry or Asian American literature. It is a powerful and moving collection of poems that offers a unique perspective on the Asian American experience. These poets are the future of American poetry, and their voices deserve to be heard.

Here are a few sample poems from the anthology:

"The Inheritance" by Li-Young Lee

My father's bones, a ladder I climb down into myself.

His flesh, the soil in which my roots grow deep.

His blood, the river that carries me home.

"A Litany for Survival" by Audre Lorde

For those of you who were born beneath the shadow of Hiroshima's mushroom cloud

For those of you who were holocausted inside your mother's arms

For those of you who were Raped and left to die in the rice paddies and the trenches of foreign wars

For those of you who were tortured in the name of science or profit

For those of you who were killed because you dared to love another man

For those of you whose ancestors were dragged from their homes, stripped of language and sold into slavery

For those of you who were lynched for being black or for wanting to be free

For those of you who have been hidden from history

For those of you who have been erased

For those of you who have been forgotten

I am here bearing witness

"The Great Wall of Los Angeles" by Sesshu Foster

In the San Gabriel Valley, a new kind of wall has been erected

A wall of smog, a wall of traffic, a wall of noise

A wall that separates the haves from the have-nots the insiders from the outsiders

A wall that is both real and imagined both physical and psychological

A wall that is built to keep people out and to keep people in

A wall that is a symbol of our fears and our hopes

A wall that is a reminder of our past and a challenge to our future.

These are just a few of the many powerful and moving poems that can be found in Seasons of Lotus, Seasons of Bone. This anthology is a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary American poetry or Asian American literature.

Seasons of Lotus, Seasons of Bone (American Poets Continuum Book 118)

by Matthew Shenoda

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	493 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	92 pages
Hardcover	:	80 pages
Item Weight	:	7.2 ounces
Dimensions	:	5 x 0.25 x 8 inches

FREE