Monday, June 11, 2012
Ivan Granger's new poetry book
Dorothy, I am so pleased to announce our first publication...
Real Thirst
Poetry of theSpiritual Journey
Poems & Translations by Ivan M. Granger
$14.95
PURCHASE
Also through
Amazon.com
Fall 2012:
Kindle & iBook The poems in Real Thirst are an exploration of the spiritual journey viewed through the mystic's eyes. This collection is a delightful blend of word and silence, presenting moments of contemplation punctuated with bursts of ecstatic insight.
Real Thirst combines original poems by Ivan M. Granger with new translations of works by visionaries from both East and West: John of the Cross, Francis of Assisi, Symeon the New Theologian, Hakim Sanai, Tukaram, Sarmad, Bulleh Shah, Sachal Sarmast, Vladimir Solovyov, Tulsi Sahib, and Antonio Machado.
“I found Real Thirst to be a slow, cool and refreshing drink. The deep singularity present within each poem, evokes a kind of felt suchness, and that is a real gift. I believe you will find these poems an antidote to the rush of your days.”
~ JOHN FOX author of Poetic Medicine: The Healing Art of Poem-Making
Hi Dorothy
Today I feel like a proud father! The Poetry Chaikhana has published its first book!
Real Thirst: Poetry of the Spiritual Journey is a collection of my own poems along with several translations of works by other visionary poets, from John of the Cross to Bulleh Shah.
This book wouldn't have come into being without the encouragement and help of the Poetry Chaikhana community -- so first and foremost, I want to thank all of you.
As satisfying as it is to have a book of my own poems and translations in print, my ultimate goal is to publish an anthology of sacred poetry, possibly a series of anthologies: a treasure trove of the great sacred poets, accompanied by commentaries. That's always been the heart of the Poetry Chaikhana.
Before I could commit to such a large publishing project, however, I needed to learn the basics of the process. I had to educate myself step-by-step on every aspect of publishing: editing and proofreading (with the help of several excellent volunteers), page layout and formatting, cover design, print specifications, distribution channels, even marketing. It occurred to me early on that it would be best to go through the learning process with my own work first in order to be well prepared as I move into the bigger projects. Thus, Real Thirst was born.
And, I have to say, I'm very pleased with how this first book turned out.
I do hope you will buy a copy of Real Thirst... and I hope it's a book you'll love.
Not only does your purchase support the Poetry Chaikhana, you will also be encouraging future publications. Good sales of this first book makes future books possible. If you are eager to have an anthology of sacred poetry from the Poetry Chaikhana on your bookshelf, purchasing Real Thirst is the best way to help.
Purchasing Real Thirst
You can purchase Real Thirst directly, here. It is also available through Amazon.com.
Since the Poetry Chaikhana is a global community, I managed to also make Real Thirst available through some of Amazon's international sites, including Amazon UK and Amazon Germany.
eBook Formats Coming in Fall
For those of you with a Kindle or iPad, Real Thirst will be available in both formats later this year. I'll be sure to let everyone know when the ebook formats are available.
Reader Reviews
If you like Real Thirst, another wonderful way you can help is to post your own review of the book online at Amazon.com and Goodreads.com. People do read those online reviews -- I know I do. It is a great way to expand interest outside the Poetry Chaikhana community.
Read More
If you'd like to read a few more samples from Real Thirst click here. You can also see a bit more of the book by clicking the "Look Inside" link on Amazon.com.
And please feel free to send me an email or post a note on the Poetry Chaikhana Blog to tell me what you think. I'd love to hear your responses. The publication of this book -- the first of many, I hope -- was made possible by the outpouring of love and encouragement from all of you.
Have a beautiful day!
Ivan
“Ivan M. Granger has thrown open the doors of his body, heart and mind to the Infinite’s expressions of Itself in this world… These poems touch all the heart-strings. I laughed, I shed tears, I fell into contemplative states, I felt awe and wonder, love and longing as I read his offerings… You’ll want to return to this wellspring to quench your thirst over and over again.”
~ LAWRENCE EDWARDS, Ph.D. author of The Soul’s Journey: Guidance From the Divine Within and Kali’s Bazaar
Sample Poetry
First dawn. Even the
birds in the tallest pines are
surprised by the sun.
Parched
The parched know –
real thirst
draws rainwater
from an empty sky.
Every Shaped Thing
Sighing,
every shaped thing
turns
heavenward.
Your altar
cannot seat
the thousand thousand
idols.
Holding them,
what do you have?
Each gilded god
says:
"I am
impoverished
by the sun.
I can only
point
up."
Medusa
Medusa says –
I was wisdom
once,
black as night.
Now they call me:
monster,
gorgon,
hideous-faced.
So I hide
behind this hissing curtain
of hair.
Lost
little ones,
breathe easy;
you are free
to not see.
But
what is a lonely
old lady to do?
I still wait
for some daughter,
some son,
so wounded by the world,
to seize these snakes
and part my locks wide.
I still wait
for some bold, tired
wild child of mine,
determined to die
seeing what’s reflected
in my unblinking eye.
* See comments on this poem below
“A delightful prism through which we see a delicate dance of fireflies and countless other wonders – poems, haiku and translations to illuminate the heart and the world.”
~ GABRIEL ROSENSTOCK author of Haiku Enlightenment
Real Thirst
Poetry of theSpiritual Journey
Poems & Translations by Ivan M. Granger
PURCHASE $14.95
Also available through Amazon.com
John of the Cross
1542 – 1591
SPAIN
John of the Cross was born Juan de Ypes in a village near Avila, Spain. His father died when he was young, and he was raised in poverty with his two brothers by his widowed mother. His intellectual gifts, however, were recognized by a patron who provided for his early education at a Jesuit school.
In his early 20s, John entered the Carmelite order and moved to Salamanca to further his studies. Among his other teachers was the well-known mystic and poet Fray Luis de Leon.
Still in his 20s, the young John of the Cross first met the woman who would become his mentor, Teresa of Avila, who was in her 50s at the time. Teresa of Avila was a mystic, a writer, a social activist, and the founder of several monasteries. She had begun a reform movement...
La Suma de la Perfección
Olvido de lo criado,
memoria del Criador,
atención a lo interior
y estarse amando al Amado The Sum of Perfection
Creation forgotten,
Creator only known,
Attention turned inward
In love with the Beloved alone.
Notes
Medusa
I was surprised by something I discovered a few years back: Medusa, the quintessential monster of Greek mythology, was originally a much loved goddess. Her name comes from the Greek word "metis" (related to the Sanskrit "medha") meaning "wisdom." Her worship is thought to have originated in Northern Africa and been imported into early Greek culture. She was black-skinned, wore wild, matted hair (with, of course, snakes), stood naked, wide-eyed, and embodied the mystery of woman, the wisdom of the night, the truths too profound or terrible to face in the daylight. Medusa is, in effect, a Mediterranean version of the Indian Goddess Kali. Medusa was eventually subsumed into the safer, patriarchal worship of Athena, who carries Medusa’s head upon her shield. This discovery inspired me to look at the figure of Medusa more deeply. What is the wisdom that terrifies? Why the snakes? Why the petrifying open-eyed stare? And how does such a bringer of terrible wisdom feel about being rejected by her children as a "monster"?
Thief of Hearts
Let's face it, from the ego's point-of-view, the relationship with the Divine is a problematic one. What the heart recognizes as liberation, the ego sees as theft. So what is the ego to do when that master thief...
About the Author
Ivan M. Granger is the founder and editor of the Poetry Chaikhana, an onlineresource of sacred poetry from around the world. He has lived inOregon, California, and Hawaii. He now makes his home in Colorado withhis wife and two dogs.
"Poetry has animmediate effect on the mind. The simple act of reading poetry alters thoughtpatterns and the shuttle of the breath. Poetry induces trance. Itswords are chant. Its rhythms drumbeats. Its images become the icons ofthe inner eye. Poetry is more than a description of the sacredexperience; it carries the experience itself.”
Read More About Ivan M. Granger
“Every page of this book is a luminous portal through the details of this world into the vastness of pure being. I will turn to these poems again and again for transport to the ineffable, for medicine to heal my restless mind, for a fierce and tender dose of the Beloved.”
~KIM ROSEN,author of Saved by a Poem: The Transformative Power of Words
Your purchase supports the Poetry Chaikhana and encourages future publications.
- Thank you! -
Share Your Thoughts on this note...
Dorothy, I am so pleased to announce our first publication...
Real Thirst
Poetry of theSpiritual Journey
Poems & Translations by Ivan M. Granger
$14.95
PURCHASE
Also through
Amazon.com
Fall 2012:
Kindle & iBook The poems in Real Thirst are an exploration of the spiritual journey viewed through the mystic's eyes. This collection is a delightful blend of word and silence, presenting moments of contemplation punctuated with bursts of ecstatic insight.
Real Thirst combines original poems by Ivan M. Granger with new translations of works by visionaries from both East and West: John of the Cross, Francis of Assisi, Symeon the New Theologian, Hakim Sanai, Tukaram, Sarmad, Bulleh Shah, Sachal Sarmast, Vladimir Solovyov, Tulsi Sahib, and Antonio Machado.
“I found Real Thirst to be a slow, cool and refreshing drink. The deep singularity present within each poem, evokes a kind of felt suchness, and that is a real gift. I believe you will find these poems an antidote to the rush of your days.”
~ JOHN FOX author of Poetic Medicine: The Healing Art of Poem-Making
Hi Dorothy
Today I feel like a proud father! The Poetry Chaikhana has published its first book!
Real Thirst: Poetry of the Spiritual Journey is a collection of my own poems along with several translations of works by other visionary poets, from John of the Cross to Bulleh Shah.
This book wouldn't have come into being without the encouragement and help of the Poetry Chaikhana community -- so first and foremost, I want to thank all of you.
As satisfying as it is to have a book of my own poems and translations in print, my ultimate goal is to publish an anthology of sacred poetry, possibly a series of anthologies: a treasure trove of the great sacred poets, accompanied by commentaries. That's always been the heart of the Poetry Chaikhana.
Before I could commit to such a large publishing project, however, I needed to learn the basics of the process. I had to educate myself step-by-step on every aspect of publishing: editing and proofreading (with the help of several excellent volunteers), page layout and formatting, cover design, print specifications, distribution channels, even marketing. It occurred to me early on that it would be best to go through the learning process with my own work first in order to be well prepared as I move into the bigger projects. Thus, Real Thirst was born.
And, I have to say, I'm very pleased with how this first book turned out.
I do hope you will buy a copy of Real Thirst... and I hope it's a book you'll love.
Not only does your purchase support the Poetry Chaikhana, you will also be encouraging future publications. Good sales of this first book makes future books possible. If you are eager to have an anthology of sacred poetry from the Poetry Chaikhana on your bookshelf, purchasing Real Thirst is the best way to help.
Purchasing Real Thirst
You can purchase Real Thirst directly, here. It is also available through Amazon.com.
Since the Poetry Chaikhana is a global community, I managed to also make Real Thirst available through some of Amazon's international sites, including Amazon UK and Amazon Germany.
eBook Formats Coming in Fall
For those of you with a Kindle or iPad, Real Thirst will be available in both formats later this year. I'll be sure to let everyone know when the ebook formats are available.
Reader Reviews
If you like Real Thirst, another wonderful way you can help is to post your own review of the book online at Amazon.com and Goodreads.com. People do read those online reviews -- I know I do. It is a great way to expand interest outside the Poetry Chaikhana community.
Read More
If you'd like to read a few more samples from Real Thirst click here. You can also see a bit more of the book by clicking the "Look Inside" link on Amazon.com.
And please feel free to send me an email or post a note on the Poetry Chaikhana Blog to tell me what you think. I'd love to hear your responses. The publication of this book -- the first of many, I hope -- was made possible by the outpouring of love and encouragement from all of you.
Have a beautiful day!
Ivan
“Ivan M. Granger has thrown open the doors of his body, heart and mind to the Infinite’s expressions of Itself in this world… These poems touch all the heart-strings. I laughed, I shed tears, I fell into contemplative states, I felt awe and wonder, love and longing as I read his offerings… You’ll want to return to this wellspring to quench your thirst over and over again.”
~ LAWRENCE EDWARDS, Ph.D. author of The Soul’s Journey: Guidance From the Divine Within and Kali’s Bazaar
Sample Poetry
First dawn. Even the
birds in the tallest pines are
surprised by the sun.
Parched
The parched know –
real thirst
draws rainwater
from an empty sky.
Every Shaped Thing
Sighing,
every shaped thing
turns
heavenward.
Your altar
cannot seat
the thousand thousand
idols.
Holding them,
what do you have?
Each gilded god
says:
"I am
impoverished
by the sun.
I can only
point
up."
Medusa
Medusa says –
I was wisdom
once,
black as night.
Now they call me:
monster,
gorgon,
hideous-faced.
So I hide
behind this hissing curtain
of hair.
Lost
little ones,
breathe easy;
you are free
to not see.
But
what is a lonely
old lady to do?
I still wait
for some daughter,
some son,
so wounded by the world,
to seize these snakes
and part my locks wide.
I still wait
for some bold, tired
wild child of mine,
determined to die
seeing what’s reflected
in my unblinking eye.
* See comments on this poem below
“A delightful prism through which we see a delicate dance of fireflies and countless other wonders – poems, haiku and translations to illuminate the heart and the world.”
~ GABRIEL ROSENSTOCK author of Haiku Enlightenment
Real Thirst
Poetry of theSpiritual Journey
Poems & Translations by Ivan M. Granger
PURCHASE $14.95
Also available through Amazon.com
John of the Cross
1542 – 1591
SPAIN
John of the Cross was born Juan de Ypes in a village near Avila, Spain. His father died when he was young, and he was raised in poverty with his two brothers by his widowed mother. His intellectual gifts, however, were recognized by a patron who provided for his early education at a Jesuit school.
In his early 20s, John entered the Carmelite order and moved to Salamanca to further his studies. Among his other teachers was the well-known mystic and poet Fray Luis de Leon.
Still in his 20s, the young John of the Cross first met the woman who would become his mentor, Teresa of Avila, who was in her 50s at the time. Teresa of Avila was a mystic, a writer, a social activist, and the founder of several monasteries. She had begun a reform movement...
La Suma de la Perfección
Olvido de lo criado,
memoria del Criador,
atención a lo interior
y estarse amando al Amado The Sum of Perfection
Creation forgotten,
Creator only known,
Attention turned inward
In love with the Beloved alone.
Notes
Medusa
I was surprised by something I discovered a few years back: Medusa, the quintessential monster of Greek mythology, was originally a much loved goddess. Her name comes from the Greek word "metis" (related to the Sanskrit "medha") meaning "wisdom." Her worship is thought to have originated in Northern Africa and been imported into early Greek culture. She was black-skinned, wore wild, matted hair (with, of course, snakes), stood naked, wide-eyed, and embodied the mystery of woman, the wisdom of the night, the truths too profound or terrible to face in the daylight. Medusa is, in effect, a Mediterranean version of the Indian Goddess Kali. Medusa was eventually subsumed into the safer, patriarchal worship of Athena, who carries Medusa’s head upon her shield. This discovery inspired me to look at the figure of Medusa more deeply. What is the wisdom that terrifies? Why the snakes? Why the petrifying open-eyed stare? And how does such a bringer of terrible wisdom feel about being rejected by her children as a "monster"?
Thief of Hearts
Let's face it, from the ego's point-of-view, the relationship with the Divine is a problematic one. What the heart recognizes as liberation, the ego sees as theft. So what is the ego to do when that master thief...
About the Author
Ivan M. Granger is the founder and editor of the Poetry Chaikhana, an onlineresource of sacred poetry from around the world. He has lived inOregon, California, and Hawaii. He now makes his home in Colorado withhis wife and two dogs.
"Poetry has animmediate effect on the mind. The simple act of reading poetry alters thoughtpatterns and the shuttle of the breath. Poetry induces trance. Itswords are chant. Its rhythms drumbeats. Its images become the icons ofthe inner eye. Poetry is more than a description of the sacredexperience; it carries the experience itself.”
Read More About Ivan M. Granger
“Every page of this book is a luminous portal through the details of this world into the vastness of pure being. I will turn to these poems again and again for transport to the ineffable, for medicine to heal my restless mind, for a fierce and tender dose of the Beloved.”
~KIM ROSEN,author of Saved by a Poem: The Transformative Power of Words
Your purchase supports the Poetry Chaikhana and encourages future publications.
- Thank you! -
Share Your Thoughts on this note...
