I Saw God DancingPoems by Cheryl Denise |
"'My people don't understand your people, / but we'll feed you.' says Cheryl Denise in one of her delightful, plain-spoken poems wrung from a Mennonite woman's experience. At best, her work articulates ineffable truths in blunt terms, human desire and spiritual longing infused with a love of life that can't resist touching, tasting, and naming the pleasures and pains of this world. But clarity alone can't account for the turns these poems take, their tender-hearted vision and frank faith." -- Julia Kasdorf, Assoc. Prof. of English and Director of the graduate program in creative writing, Penn State Univ.
The narrative poetry of Cheryl Denise gathers together her Canadian Mennonite roots, rural life and her attachment to the people and mountains of West Virginia. Her poetry is rich in concrete detail and many poems contain a storytelling quality. Subjects range from sheep farming to lusts and longings, biblical women, legs, old lovers and laundromats. Often humorous, she penetrates to the deep current of human relationship. Many people who don't read poetry find themselves drawn to Cheryl's truthful, clear style.
About the Author
The writing of Cheryl Denise, Phillipi, West Virginia, reflects vivid memories of Mennonite life in Elmira, Ontario. After nursing school she went to Colorado, where she worked as a public health nurse in a rural Hispanic community. Currently she and her husband, Mike Miller, are part of the Shepherds Field intentional community on a sheep farm in the hills near Phillipi. She works as a nurse at Barbour County Senior Center.