Since 1994, Norbert Blei’s Cross+Road Press has been publishing works by writers and artists usually in the form of small chap books, in paperback, with stapled binding, 5 1/2 x 9 1/2 inches.
Jeffrey Winke
Forget the word “haibun” for now. Just enjoy the pleasure and energy of Jeff Winke’s writing – so brilliantly exhibited below. There are over eighty of these such literary gems in Jeff’s collection.
“Breathe in – taking them one-at-a-time,” says Norb Blei. “Hold. Then, exhale. Feel the difference in yourself and in everything around you. The man is a master.”
“I’ll Tell You So” is being released in a limited edition of 250 copies.
“It will be gone in another breath,” adds Blei. “If you care about the art of writing – this book belongs in your hands.”
A Way of Living
The unfortunate thing about the unexpected is that it occurs with most people not noticing. Little earthquakes, a red fox running through a city neighborhood, a car backs up within a fraction of another car, and two potential love-you-for-life people pass in opposite directions through a building’s revolving door. It must be the busy-ness of 21st century life or the numbing focus of getting ahead. But I’ve got the solution.. .a way of living that’s delightfully simple in its philosophy.
Ready? Here it goes: Each day, view the world like you’re looking at one of those What’s Wrong with This Picture puzzles. Think of what we might notice beyond the penguin wearing a fedora, the upside down picture of Abe Lincoln and missing piece from the pie cooling on the windowsill.
city apartment
in the kitchen corner
a pitchfork, tines up
And Prying, They Thought
It’s a small house located in a small town where the retired poet lives a small life. No one living in the small town remembers when the retired poet living the small life moved into the small house. It happened quietly and seamlessly. Yes, life is simple and slow-paced in the small town, but still, it was no small feat that the retired poet could pull it off. The small town residents were ever respectful of the retired poet’s small life.
Curious as they were, they never felt right asking. To ask would be more than a bit rude and prying, they thought. Still, the big question bums in the minds of the small town residents. Call it small town trepidation or misplaced mores, but all resisted the dare to rap on the door of the small houses where the retired poet lives to ask: Can a poet really retire from poetry?
no hoopla
a single ant
slowly passes by
SPECIAL EDITION(S):
Patrons will receive a signed and numbered copy, his/her name printed on the end-page PATRON LIST, for a contribution of $15 or more (plus $2.50 postage) toward the book and/or press.
STANDARD EDITION(S):
$12, plus $2.50 postage
DEADLINE, November 30, 2009
