About the Book
"The Seasons from Perry City Road: A Journey Through Grief, Renewal, and the Healing Power of Poetry. Selected Poems 2012-2017" by Lex E Santi, LCSW, MFA
The Seasons from Perry City Road, is a poignant collection of poetry penned by Lex E Santi, a writer and therapist whose words resonate with deep emotion and introspection. This book follows in the footsteps of his previous work, "Time Away, A Journey in Verse, Selected Poems 95-05," and takes readers on a profound journey through the seasons of life in Perry City, a hamlet just north of Ithaca, NY.
Set against the backdrop of the writer's personal experiences, "The Seasons of Perry City Road" encapsulates a period in his life marked by profound loss and the haunting specter of unrealized possibilities. It chronicles the heartache of a marriage ending, the absence of a cherished muse, and the mourning of a miscarriage at nine weeks. Unlike his earlier selected works, this collection focuses on a tighter timeline, showcasing poems selected from 2012 to 2017.
Within these pages, Santi's poetry takes on a contemplative tone, inviting readers to bear witness as he finds solace in an old farmhouse on Perry City Road-a place, just down the road, from where his stepfather had passed away five years prior to his return to the area. Armed with a book of Hafiz's poems and a winter's supply of herb, alongside his faithful companion, Pago, Santi embarks on a quest to unravel the complexities of life. The poetry cry on some pages, and on others beam with happiness.
"The Seasons of Perry City Road" offers a glimpse into the life of a man navigating the world of dating in his forties, exploring the depths of pain, anger, and sadness. Yet, amidst the trials, there is a thread of grace, as Santi seeks to connect with readers, offering encouragement and a sense that shared suffering can lead to cleansing and renewal.
Through his verses, readers will experience the beauty of snowfall as he tends to fires and practices yoga, and then find joy as spring and summer grace Central New York-a place often weighed down by the harshness of winter. Amidst the verses, Santi pays homage to his friends, dedicating poems to athletes, close companions, and the supportive Lake Crew who helped him weather the winter.
This book is a testament to the enduring love for his wife, Shona, and their child, Gordon, showcasing Santi's journey from the depths of pain at the beginning of this poetic odyssey to a place of richness and healing, where he finally lays some of his ghosts to rest. "The Seasons from Perry City Road" is a powerful exploration of life's ever-changing seasons, expressed through the transformative art of poetry.
