Sitting by His Bones [Hardcover]

James BlueWolf (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1887400230 | ISBN-13: 978-1887400237 | Publication Date: May 1999 | Edition: Natural Paper, Glossy Cover

This book of poetry examines the themes human-beings face, individually and collectively. Relationships to each other and to the Earth, fear, poverty, death, creativity, love, growing old, expressing gratitude and coming to terms with loss, isolation, and grief are all themes American Indians face on a daily basis. But out of that dark image this book finds hope, inspiration, commitment to values, and a firm belief in the intent of the Creator.

The illustrations by Stephanie Del Bosco add character and spirit to the atmosphere of the words. The two together are inspiring.

Editorial Reviews

Review

I feel strongly that James BlueWolf writes the kind of poetry I want handy. Want his books within reach. The poetry in Sitting By His Bones has affected me in a way that only a few writers have. BlueWolf writes to the people: tells us of the winners and the losers--the haves and the have nots. For 96 years Meridel Le Sueur listened to the people and reported what she heard in prose and poetry. I get the feeling that BlueWolf will do the same for us. James is writing about what he has experienced-- with visions added to insure that our quest never ends--that we dream and share the dreams. The illustrations in this fine book are by Stephanie C. Del Bosco and are a powerful compliment to the poetry. -- Joseph W. Grant, Editor BOOKZEN

From the Publisher

From "Grandma's In The Garbage" to "Raking Up The Leaves", James BlueWolf's poetry creates wide-screen Technicolor pictures in your head. Sometimes it takes you to warm interiors where pipes curling the smoke of good company create a sense of comfort and peace. Sometimes it jars you. Sometimes it holds you in the commonality of grief. But always, always, the words are wonderful--hard-working, tough, graceful, lyrical. I let James's poetry take me places because I trust his heart.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 75 pages
• Publisher: Earthen Vessel Production Inc; Natural Paper, Glossy Cover edition (May 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1887400230
• ISBN-13: 978-1887400237
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,176,153 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wide & Vast World of the Soul, May 27, 2006

By 

Janet Riehl "Riehlife Village Wisdom for the ... (St. Louis, MO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sitting by His Bones (Hardcover)

James BlueWolf, second Poet Laureate of Lake County,is a treasure on the page or to listen to in person as his deep, resonant voice caresses and intones the words in his carefully crafted and profoundly envisioned and felt poetry.

In the title poem, "Sitting by His Bones: A four-generations poem," BlueWolf ends:

"We sat in shadow silently,
smoked our prayers and played
my father's flute as dusk drew down
by the bones in Grandfather's grave."

BlueWolf's "Sitting by His Bones" coins the word "Indin" for Native American/Indian ethnic references. It's an indication of his humor and wish to cut through cant. This is a human book. All humans can read and enjoy his poems, including "Doesn't It Hurt?" a dialogue between Old Man and Young Boy.

It's a wide and vast world that James BlueWolf's poetry opens the door to.

Janet Grace Riehl, author, Sightlines: A Poet's Diary