Poet James Schwartz (author of the Lambda Literary Award-nominated The Literary Party: Growing Up Gay and Amish in America, 2011) returns to Alien Buddha Press with a sparkling collection of poetry mining his Amish heritage into gold.
Through a raw autobiographical haiku sequence and love sonnets, Schwartz confronts homophobic religious intolerance and loss, death, and grief, transforming to spring, love, freedom, and renewal.
Amish Alchemy is a transformation of the Ages, illustrated with stunning images from the Public Domain Image Archive spanning antiquity and offering alternative mirrors of contemplation.
In this Amish-themed journey through the Midwest and beyond lies beautiful temples of knowledge, fountains of wisdom, and the alchemy of an exquisite artistic endeavor.
In his fourth decade on this plane,t James feels grateful to still be around and still inspired!
A Michigander who happened to grow up in an isolated, high-control religious environment and rebelled against the homophobic status quo.
Conform or be shunned. The Amish Closet or the streets. He chose the road less traveled (with many gay bars along the way).
Exotic locations, a few romances, a lot of friends, and many adventures later, he has not forgotten about the youngsters in similar situations; this act of alchemy is for them.
My new poetry collection, Amish Alchemy, also raises awareness for The Misfit Amish. He is honored to serve as an Art Ambassador!
“The Misfit Amish delivers secular insights into Amish, Mennonite, and Plain communities, striving to bridge the gap between Amish and English cultures, offering resources authored by former members of these communities and developing presentations to enhance awareness and promote understanding.”
Amish Alchemy (Alien Buddha Press) available via Amazon Feb. 18th!