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About this Book:

King David's Psalms, while not always lovely, are a literary and emotional tour de force; but perhaps more importantly, they are the unflinching record of one soul's lifelong struggle with his faith. When we read King David's Psalms, we are invited into exaltation just as we are plunged into despair. For every mountaintop we are urged to climb we are so too thrown into the dung heap and ashes. Sometimes even, we must crawl through dark caves of abandonment. But always, always, we are given the sense that Someone is listening; Someone attendant to our strengths and weaknesses, efforts and failures, hopes and despair. Someone is ever present and attentive. As you read Ben Doress's 'Psalms", I invite you to open yourselves up to that same complicated journey. Not all of these poems are beautiful, but every single one is a blessing of honesty and presence. These are the words of a man who has fully and faithfully engaged with his passions. And, much to our great good benefit, he has translated those moments into words. Enjoy. -Toni Amato

About the Author:

In my early school years, I was the classic ‘underachiever.’ In highschool I got interested in art through the Hip-Hop movement and won some respect and recognition from my peers and my art teachers. I initiated a project to paint a mural in the cafeteria and won permission to put it up with two other students. Art was my path to self-expression, accomplishment, and self-esteem. From there I went on to The School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and really grew as an artist and a person. I studied painting, photography, and performance art, as well as poetry. Over the years my poetry has changed but it’s honesty has always been consistent, in 15 years of writing nearly every day, I have composed over 6,000 poems. I have been published and in my early years of writing I self published my first chapbook. Allen gave me so much of his love and protection. He continues to give to me even after his passing. I hope that this book will give back to him.

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Order/Contact Info:

Please send check, made out to Toni Amato to 82 Liberty Avenue, Somerville, MA 02144 OR go to www.writeherewritenow.org and use the PayPal option.