Geist Contributor Heather Susan Haley will be launching her most recent collection of poetry Three Blocks West of Wonderland. A book that is gritty, fun, political and a kick in the pants. The full review will be appearing in Poetry Is Dead's second issue (launching August 2010), but for now, you can enjoy her poem and videopoem "How To Remain." We hope to see you at the launch of her book in Vancouver! (details below)

How To Remain

How to remain

thin. Abstain.

Abstain from eating

food. Calories kill

the fat rats first.

If she could say No

and balance Belgian truffles

on her tongue, briefly,

before spitting them out,

she might remain. Live

long. Enjoy fruition.

By shunning urges,

she could linger,

dainty as a colt's foot,

deploying her charms raw,

dogtrotting a straddled chocolate

Arabian through mazes of lane.

She could retire

to her body.

Alas, ankles thicken, braids recede,

the old mare conjured

whenever she dare to look.

Fight back. She may be forced to

cover the grey, yellow,

but refuses to swallow diet pills.

Amphetamines in the olden days.

Dinner in the garbage

rouses niggles of guilt.

She snuffles it out before Buddy can,

barfing rather than blowing

calories on fusty pizza

or molding, olive oil-sopped arugula.

Three Blocks West of Wonderland Multimedia Book launch party!

Join Heather Haley and friends with host Kedrick James at a multimedia extravaganza to celebrate the publication of her newest collection of poetry, Three Blocks West of Wonderland. Enjoy readings and performances by Heather and special guests poets/authors Peter Trower, Jenn Farrell, Shannon Rayne with music by Heather's punk rock comrade in arms-Impatient Youth, Sleepers, Woundz and No Alternative alumnus-Chris Coon who will be joined by Fond Of Tigers' Shanto Bhattacharya! It's the world PREMIERE as well of our new videopoems, "HOW TO REMAIN" and "BUSHWHACK!" and we are all welcome to join in the W2 Folk Festival after-parties for 1/2 price ($5) starting at 10:30pm.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

7:00pm - 10:00pm

W2 @ Storyeum151 W. CordovaVancouver, BC