‘Voices of the Earth’

Collection of work from local poets focuses on ‘future of our planet’

By CRAIG CONWAY
Posted 12/9/20

Noreen Inglesi, the artist in residence at Notable Works Publication and Distribution, recently released “Voices of the Earth: The Future of Our Planet II,” an environmental resource …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in

‘Voices of the Earth’

Collection of work from local poets focuses on ‘future of our planet’

Posted

Noreen Inglesi, the artist in residence at Notable Works Publication and Distribution, recently released “Voices of the Earth: The Future of Our Planet II,” an environmental resource guide filled with poems on current environmental issues. The theme of the book is resilience and sustainable life as well as adapting to a changing climate.

The publication consists of original works by 47 Rhode Island poets of all ages and backgrounds, including an introduction by Lauren Parmelee, senior director of education of the Audubon Society of Rhode Island.

There is also a list of volunteer opportunities and important information about some of the key environmental agencies in Rhode Island. Those agencies are preserving and protecting open spaces, endangered species and natural resources. Poets who contributed have a short biography describing what they do for a living and mention any other works they have published or been involved with.

Students from The Greene School in West Greenwich are featured in the publication as well. Thirteen students had their poems published, including Melanie Morales, John Boulmetis, Bryan Rios, C.M. Conlon, and Jaeda Medina. Founded in 2007, The Greene School is an environmental charter high school serving students in grades nine through 12. Mary Ann Rossoni of Second Story Graphics in Providence was responsible for the design and the illustrations.

The book has already received some rave reviews since its release. David Dragone, editor in-chief of Crosswinds Poetry and member of The Academy of American Poets and The Ocean State Poets, had this to say: “Writers of different generations, backgrounds, and experience all contributed their poems. That kind of variety among those that we published makes for reading that displays many different and surprising poetic forms. Most of all, the passion expressed by the writers of all these poems reflect how the issues of environmental protection, in all its forms, needs to be given a forum, and that action needs to follow.”

“To read these poems is to be galvanized,” said Tina Cane, Poet Laureate of Rhode Island. “With its list in the back of the book of ways to act, ‘Voices of the Earth’ is a valuable creative resource for anyone who wishes to join in the growing chorus to save our planet.”

Warwick has played a role in their lives of some of the poets.

Noreen Inglesi taught music at the Community College of Rhode Island for a number of years. Her works in both music and poetry have been featured locally in The American Band, The State Ballet of Rhode Island, The Colonial Theatre and Waterfire Providence.

Trent Batson, whose poem focuses on the current pandemic and its impact, served as a university professor and administrator at eight different universities before founding a global nonprofit in 2009. His current works can be found at thelasthumans.org.

Valerie Davis, a former high school English teacher in Providence had her poem “Trees … Wonderful Trees” published. Currently residing in Warwick, Davis survived a brain aneurysm in 2017 but continued teaching until January 2020. While the pandemic has been destructive in more ways than one, Davis is encouraged by a reduction in pollution. Her poem goes as followed:

Trees … Wonderful trees
They bend and blow in the breeze
Trees … Oh wonderful trees
Without them where would we be?
No shade in the summertime,
No warmth in the wintertime,
No insects for the birds to peck,
No place for the squirrel to build his nest.
There would be no wood to build a fire.
No beauty in the fall months either.
Oh trees, oh wonderful trees,
Without them where would we be?

Robert (Bobby) Ferand, of Warwick, released his first book, “Blame the Kennedys and Other Gifts,” in 2017. He is a regular contributor to Motif Magazine and has works published in Punkcake Zine and Wickford Art Association Poetry + Art.

Patricia McAlpine of Warwick is a poet and freelance writer who has participated in several writing workshops and is coordinator of the Galway Kinnell Poetry Contest/Festival in Pawtucket. She is currently employed as a marketing associate at Blackstone Valley Tourism Council.

To purchase “Voices of the Earth: The Future of Our Planet II,” visit notableworks.org and follow the link to order your copy. There is a book release celebration sale for $9.99, which will be available until Dec. 31.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here