CROSSWINDS by Debbie Richard

Each poem represents true events, human strife, joy, dreams, nightmares and fear. Nonetheless, poetess Richard journalizes instances of her life that have become indelible in her memory. She speaks openly, often bluntly from a photographic memory about them detailing vivid description that makes them so genuine. There is no vagueness, or obscurity in her words, just glimpses of her experiences as they come and go, whilst journeying through twists and turns, a roller coaster ride written in people’s language. These poems are as refreshing as they are poignant.

~Raymond Fenech Gonzi, Publisher and editor of LITERATURE FOR THE PEOPLE, twice nominated for the prestigious Pushcart Prize, and is widely published in Europe and Canada.

Debbie Richard’s collection Crosswinds is aptly named, as the poems examine the constant tensions between the superficial and what lies beneath. Tranquil and beautiful nature contrasts with all the turmoil and uncertainty of people’s lives; our inner world is often at great odds with the outer one. But Richard urges us to always “Look skyward toward the heavenly light.”

~Rita Sims Quillen, author of WAYLAND and SOME NOTES YOU HOLD, is a three time Pushcart Prize nominee, a songwriter and musician, and the recipient of the Outstanding Poetry Book of the Year by the Appalachian Writers Association.

Our flights through life are not always smooth. With glimpses of her life and growing up in Appalachia, Debbie Richard’s poems remind us we have within ourselves the means to break free of those who create turbulence and find inner peace.

~Trilby Plants, author of FIRE SONG – TO HEAR THE LEE-ATH SING, BOOK 1, children’s books, and co-author of DOUBLE DANGER, a romantic suspense. Plants creates video book trailers and animated book covers.