"Time Away: A Journey Through Verse" '95-05 by Lex E Santi, LCSW, MFA
Dive into the soul-stirring world of Lex E Santi in "Time Away," a seminal collection of poems that chronicles an extraordinary journey from an eager undergraduate at Hobart and William Smith Colleges to a reflective therapist and poet in Saint Louis, Missouri. This collection is not just a series of poems; it's a voyage through life's diverse phases, encapsulating experiences from Santi's time at his beloved Hobart College, then onward in the Peace Corps to the creative zenith of his MFA years at George Mason and onward to his MSW at Washington University in Saint Louis.
Lex E Santi emerges as a multifaceted poet, seamlessly blending various styles from beat and spoken word to formal verse. Witness the evolution of his poetic voice, starting with the rhythmically rich "The Way it Began, 'oh, by the way, '" a perfect exemplar of his unique "back stitch" or beat style. Other poems, like 'Acceptance Letter' show his desire to speak for poets and take the world by storm in bravado. While others like 'Dancing with a Pen Cap' or "Democratic Snowflakes' seek to capture a moment before it is lost. The collection is a tapestry of linguistic diversity, featuring poems in Romanian and Spanish. Throughout the collection it is evident that Santi is paying homage to his deep connection to the legacy of Frank O'Hara; at any point it is as if Santi is asking for adoption papers to be signed.
"Time Away" traverses through Santi's life chapters - from his undergraduate days, his transformative experiences in Romania with the Peace Corps, to his 9-5s in the U.S. federal government, and higher education administration and his enlightening MFA journey at George Mason. The work, as a whole, gives the documentation of this journey and takes you to all corners of the world, inviting the reader to become an integral part of the narrative.
Santi's work, enriched by interactions with notable contemporaries like Kelli Ford and J. Michael Martinez and mentorship from Richard Bausch, is a tribute to his journey. The dedications within this collection to fellow writers, family, and friends illustrate a life deeply interwoven with others.
Drawing comparisons to literary giants like Frank O'Hara, Mayakovsky, and Bukowski, Santi's heritage as the son of Cuban refugees infuses his poetry with introspection and a lyrical homage to Jose Marti. His professional background in psychotherapy adds a layer of empathy and compassion to his verses, making them resonate with readers on a profoundly personal level.
"Time Away" is a treasure trove of poetic gems, many previously featured in esteemed literary journals like Plum Ruby Review and Cubista Magazine. This anthology brings together over 70 poems, some seeing the light of print for the first time, marking the culmination of Santi's journey in discovering and honing his poetic voice.
Embark on this poetic odyssey with Lex E Santi and experience a world where every verse is a reflection of life's intricate tapestry.
