DUBLIN, CA–“portraits of red and gray“, the new collection of memoir poems by James Morehead (Poet Laureate – Dublin, CA) takes readers on an unforgettable journey from the Cold War USSR to Savery, Wyoming, from the mountains of Tuscany to the peak of Yosemite’s Half Dome, from the Canadian wilderness to the beaches of Normandy.
The acclaimed book is built around a series of poems that takes readers into Cold War USSR through the eyes of a teenager, from Moscow to Tbilisi to Leningrad (and many stops in-between). The striking cover, designed by Zoe Norvell, is based on a 1982 lithograph by Igor Prilutsky.
“The challenge of crafting memoir poems is to go beyond simply capturing images of a place and finding a way to connect with deeper, universal truths.”
James Morehead, author of “portraits of red and gray“
Praise for portraits of red and gray
“The vulnerability and humanity expressed in these poems is moving.” – Angie Trudell Vasquez, Poet Laureate – Madison, WI
“The rhythmic control is impeccable. The centerpiece of this collection, a long series of poems that chronicle a trip through the former Soviet Union, is a fast moving, impressionistic feast of imagery.” – Carmine Di Biase, Distinguished Professor of English, Emeritus – Jacksonville State University
“portraits of red and gray resonates with the adventurer in all of us, magnifying the beauty and dynamism of the human condition while navigating life’s most fragile and poignant moments.” – Jessica Sabo, poet and author of “A Body of Impulse”
James Morehead is Poet Laureate of Dublin, California. “canvas: poems” is his debut collection, and he hosts the Viewless Wings Poetry Podcast. James’ poem “tethered” was transformed into an award-winning hand drawn animated short film, “gallery” was set to music for baritone and piano, and his poems have appeared in Beyond Words, Wingless Dreamer, Prometheus Dreaming and Prompt Press.
