Tuesday, February 04, 2014

Mexican Jenny and Other Poems




My new book of poetry, Mexican Jenny and Other Poems, has recently been published by Anhinga Press.  The book was awarded the 2012 Philip Levine Prize.

The book features the story of a Colorado prostitute who in 1913 killed her abusive husband and then served time for murder.  Legend has it that while incarcerated Jenny made a crazy quilt from the clothes she had worn as as a sex worker.  The long narrative poem about Jenny addresses the question of what we can know about events of the past.

Mexican Jenny and Other Poems is available now from Anhinga Press and Amazon  The Ahninga page has a sample of the book and my artist’s statement for your perusal.  I feel a sense of accomplishment that I've found a way to fuse my textile work with my writing, and I'm very proud of this book.

In the interest of keeping it real, here's a new project:


57 inches wide, I'm crocheting this chevron afghan from a basket of complimentary stash yarns.  I'll keep going until it gets to hot and big for my lap.  I've still got a ways to go.

6 comments:

DebbyMc said...

Congratulations, Barbara! How wonderful:-)This is lovely news! I am very intrigued and await delivery of your book which I just ordered after reading your post :-)

Your afghan is so bright and fun!

margaret said...

congratulations on the publishing of your book, you are multi talented.

margaret said...

and even more congratulations for winning the 2012 Philip Levine prize

Judy S. said...

My copy just arrived and am looking forward to reading it. Congrats again!

Magpie Sue said...

Congratulations on the publication of your book! And belated congrats on the prize!! WOW! You have every right to be proud of this blending of two of your gifts, textile art and artistry with text. :- )

Susan Elliott said...

HI Barbara, I'm swinging by to see what wonders you are up to and I've found that you've published an award winning book!! A big huge congratulations. I'm off to order a copy and read it. And you were in Bryant Park to read poetry! That's wonderful too. I"m sorry I missed it...I would have liked to attend if I could. All the best to you...susan

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