Sun Shadow Mountain Anthology
Submission Reviews

Editor’s Comments

“Chinetana plays with words like a cat with a string, it is entertaining and enjoyable.” - Donald Anderson, Publisher

Artist: © Josh Hutchison

Artwork: “Deer Trail”

Editor’s Comments

“Josh captures what words cannot, in a glimpse of fresh perspective.” - Donald Anderson, Publisher

Poet: © Jean Claude Crhi

The Poem: “When a Heart is Beautiful like a flower, it Opens up in the Morning!”

Editor’s Comments

“Jean Claude speaks from his heart with truth and beauty and love.” - Donald Anderson, Publisher

Poet: © Joseph Aaron Quismondo-Hernandez

The Poem: “Me”

Editor’s Comments

“Joseph’s words are fresh and invigorating, lively as a pep talk, valuable as finding a spring in a dry spell.” - Donald Anderson, Publisher

Artist: © Tommy Dunn

Artwork: “Illusions”

Editor’s Comments

“Tommy has character, and a brilliant knack for the aesthetic. His talent is varied and sharp.” - Donald Anderson, Publisher

Poet: © Mr. Wayne Robinson

The Prose: “I remember love so real”

Editor’s Comments

“Mr. Wayne Robinson has such beautiful moments displayed in his art of prose! With his experiences, he walks one through an extravaganza of words, so that one can get a sense of wanting to be there. Wayne’s work is full of beautiful imagery, and always has such a romantic feel. He writes with words that provoke a yearning and desire for life and love. His passion and beauty flow elegantly in his world of insightful and sensitive poetry.” - Nikki Quismondo, Co-publisher

“His romantic vitality paired with closeness to nature, puts the reader right at home.” - Donald Anderson, Publisher

Artist: © Tony Melrose

Artwork: “Fire”

Editor’s Comments

“Tony has such a remarkable style of fantasy, and drawings that show such deep and evocative meanings. His work is a myriad of dynamic energy. It’s thought-provoking. Tony is a very talented artist, I am glad that he is generous enough to share his art pieces in our book!” - Nikki Quismondo, Co-publisher

“Tony’s imaginative illustrations are like seeing your daydreams up close.” - Donald Anderson, Publisher

Poet: © Stephen M. Wilson

The Poem: “Sun ku” (haiku)

Editor’s Comments

“Stephen Wilson has a unique flair to his work. He has such a dynamic and energetic mood in his writing.  His three line poem is masculine, provocative, and thought provoking. Stephen has an original style all on his own!” - Nikki Quismondo, Co-publisher

“Provocative is an understatement. Many ”Stephen”s have come out with outstanding work, but this one is truly unique.” - Donald Anderson, Publisher

Artist: © Charley Stockdale

Artwork: “untitled”

Editor’s Comments

“Charley Stockdale is the artist of the poet world! He has such an interesting way of using shapes and colors that seem to express a world of deep and meaningful insights! Charley is a very talented artist, I am always happy to get the chance to publish his work!” - Nikki Quismondo, Co-publisher

“Not only does Charley’s talent come naturally, when he finds direction, his energy is nuclear.” - Donald Anderson, Publisher

Poet: © Shonda Renée

Taken from the Poem: “A Poem for Sula”

Editor’s Comments

“Shonda Renée’s work is inspirational, bold and strong! She is a magnificent poet!” - Nikki Quismondo, Co-publisher

“A rawness pulsing with potency, her poetry draws from a deep well of female wisdom.” - Donald Anderson, Publisher

Poet: © Ms. Mable “Jimi” Choice

Taken from the Poem: “Yearning To Be....”

Editor’s Comments

“Ms. Jimi Choice has an inspirational message to share, full of wisdom, compassion and an energetic flair!  She celebrates a deep appreciation for the arts.” - Nikki Quismondo, Co-publisher

“Jimi is in tune with our deepest thoughts and puts them into words where I wish I could too.” - Donald Anderson, Publisher

Poet: © Marjorie Wagler Carmack

Taken from the Poem: “Mountain Myriad”

Editor’s Comments

“Marjorie has such a classic way of sharing a beautiful appreciation to nature.” - Nikki Quismondo, Co-publisher

“Marjorie’s traditional style comes alive to an invisible drum.” - Donald Anderson, Publisher

Poet: © Jim Ricks

Taken from the Poem: “I am a mere symbol placed on the page”

Editor’s Comments

“Jim Ricks creates a reflective poem with poetic imagery and metaphors that puts one on a spiral of emotions while exposing deep, profound truths.” - Nikki Quismondo, Co-publisher

“Jim is brilliant and leaves me speechless.” - Donald Anderson, Publisher

Poet: © Stephen Cothran

The Poem: “White Forest”

Editor’s Comments

“Stephen brings to life the world of the night.” - Donald Anderson, Publisher

Poet: © Marie J. Ross

Taken from the Poem: “Soul Mountain”

Editor’s Comments

“Marie J. Ross is a genius with her words, her work is very spiritual, mystical, and celestial, the imagery and use of poetic diction is full of adjectives, a live structure that is fulfilling, Marie leaves one entranced, enthralled, her writing is elegant and beautiful!” - Nikki Quismondo, Co-publisher

“This poem strikes a romantic mood like a serenede in a fancy restaurant, then saddens like a quiet walk for a couple on a moonlit ledge.” - Donald Anderson, Publisher

Poet: © Patricia Mayorga

Taken from the Poem: “The Clearing”

Editor’s Comments

“Patricia Mayorga has a classic style of writing, her words are feminine and soft in the poetry, she identifies with the search for existence, the poem is that of a spiritual search to find ones way out of the shadows, I like her use of words she presents them in such an elegant way.” - Nikki Quismondo, Co-publisher

Poet: © Marie Riepenhoff-Talty

Taken from the Poem: “Sunbather’s Villanelle”

Editor’s Comments

“I enjoyed reading this poem. I think it should be included. Many people can relate to wanting something so bad that they wish it wasn’t a sin. Good imagery, creative use of the language. I want to hear more from this author.” - Lance Hudson, Copy Editor

Poet: © Ann Privateer

Taken from the Poem: “Mist”

Editor’s Comments

“Ann Privateer is a brilliant poet! Her work is divine. Her poem is filled with beautiful metaphors that create a delightful imagery. Her words resonate into a perfect rhythm and euphony! I am happy to publish her; I would love to read more of her work!” - Nikki Quismondo, Co-publisher

Poet: © Stephani Schaefer

Taken from the Poem: “Letting Go”

Editor’s Comments

“Stephani Schaefer gradually moves one subtly along a beautiful imagery and then her words invoke some powerful emotions. You get the sense of experiencing the moment as she writes about; her writing is reflective, profound, and emotional. I love her creative use of language, the way she spreads her words upon the page, the way she leaves one wanting more…she leaves the reader with a sense of hope and wonder.” - Nikki Quismondo, Co-publisher

Poet: © Jeanine Stevens

Taken from the Poem: “Daydream at Daybreak”

Editor’s Comments

“I like the way you so effortlessly weave your imagery. It really flows. I would really like to see a chapbook of your work published. The world deserves the pleasure.” - Lance Hudson, Copy Editor

Artist: © William Anderson

Artwork: “On The High Mountain Trail”

Editor’s Comments

“I love his art!” - Nikki Quismondo, Publisher

“He has a beautiful mastery over the creation/recreation of reality.” - Donald Anderson, Publisher

Poet: © Patricia Wellingham-Jones

Taken from the Poem: “Apple Blossoms at Eye Level”

Editor’s Comments

“It was truly a pleasure and an honor to review the profound and deeply engaging work of Patricia Wellingham-Jones. It left me yearning for more. I would not only endorse the use of every single one of these poems in, ”Sun Shadow Mountain”, I eagerly await a full length book of her work. Artists such as these are a personal inspiration.” - Lance Hudson, Copy Editor

“There is a certain vitality that she captures in words, that thickens the blood and quickens the breath.” - Donald Anderson, Publisher

Artist: © Sergio Navarro

Artwork: “Rain on Bird”

Editor’s Comments

“I like this piece. Simple yet profound. I would like to see more of his work. Reminds me of stained glass. I thought that is what it was, until I saw you wrote painting.” - Lance Hudson, Copy Editor

“This work reminds me of masters like Salvador Dali and the cubism of Picasso in a way.” - Donald Anderson, Publisher

Artist: © Jeff Giampetro

Artwork: “An Abstraction”

Editor’s Comments

“Jeff’s arwork is very intuitive and flows well. I think it will add a very inspirational artist’s touch to the book.” - Donald Anderson, Publisher

Poet: © Pedro Colon a.k.a. Mambo

Taken from the Poem: “The Chosen One”

Editor’s Comments

“Pedro’s poem carrys a very powerful message that we were compelled by. I think it will touch many people’s emotions.” - Donald Anderson, Publisher

Poet: © Reina Hutchison

Taken from the Poem: “whirlwind”

Editor’s Comments

“I really enjoyed her work. It was simple yet profound. I would like to see a chapbook of her work published. She is a incredibly gifted artist. I would endorse her work be published anyday.” - Lance Hudson, Copy Editor

“Her poems will hit you like a brick wall - then bounce you back into the atmosphere.” - Donald Anderson, Publisher

Poet: © Raederle Phoenix An Lydell West

Taken from the Poem: “Intimacy”

Editor’s Comments

“I really enjoyed this poem. The imagery was great. I can visualize the things described.” - Lance Hudson, Copy Editor

“It is good because it creates images around an emotional story.” - Donald Anderson, Publisher

Artist: © Raederle Phoenix An Lydell West

Artwork: “Cautious Contemplation (Self Portrait of Artist)”

Editor’s Comments

“Raederle Phoenix West is a very talented artist! Her work has a very charming essence, soft appeal, and rare innocence. I couldn’t be more thrilled about publishing this art piece in the book. It is such a sparkling treasure that will make this book shine!” - Nikki Quismondo, Publisher

“Raederle uses detail and yet sparks the imagination. In black and white, the way it will appear in the book, she has already made it a compelling fit that will draw readers into our worlds of creativity, to feel what we feel. (Note: She has requested a higher quality version of this same image, that she will send by email and will be on display when she provides us with it).” - Donald Anderson, Publisher

Poet: © Elizabeth Parrish

Taken from the Poem: “Catfish Grille”

Editor’s Comments

“Elizabeth Parrish is such an experienced writer. Everytime I receive her work, I feel like a kid in a candy store! Her poetry is eloquent, delightful and creative! Her sense of style and rhythm is exquisite!” - Nikki Quismondo, Publisher

“Elizabeth is a very skilled writer.” - Donald Anderson, Publisher

Poet: © Stephen P. Inzunza

Taken from the Poem: “A Dawning Heart”

Editor’s Comments

“This is a interesting poem. I like the duality. It has a spiritual quality.” - Lance Hudson, Copy Editor

“Inzunza’s poem has a profound message written in a very subtle style. It’s the kind of poem that I think others would enjoy reading.” - Nikki Quismondo, Publisher

“The vigor of poetry runs through Stephen’s veins. The words are raw and fresh and new.” - Donald Anderson, Publisher

Poet: © David Humphreys

Taken from the Poem: “Blue Guitar (for Wallace Stevens on the centennial of Picasso’s painting)”

Editor’s Comments

“David wraps reality around his finger and defines new standards by which good poetry should be written! His poetry adds a valuable literary and visual state of mind to the book.” - Donald Anderson, Publisher

Poet: © Joe Tetro

Taken from the Poem: “BEETHOVEN’S SIXTH”

Editor’s Comments

“Tetro’s work is filled with imaginative metaphors and imagery! Joe’s poetic diction takes me through a new experience. His work is sensual, appealing, and introspective.” - Nikki Quismondo, Publisher

“Joe’s poetry has a down-to-Earth flavour, to the point that I can feel I’m there! In this poem he takes this to another level, that of taking us where the listener imagines when he hears “Beethoven’s Sixth”.” - Donald Anderson, Publisher

Poet: © Andy Pope

Taken from the Poem: “mountaintop of gold”

Editor’s Comments

“I found the content compelling and the metaphors powerful. It even has a biblical quality toward the end. I really enjoyed reading it” - Lance Hudson, Copy Editor

“This poem is very much like a revered fairy tale or an epic in the making.” - Donald Anderson, Publisher

Poet: © Taylor Graham

Taken from the Poem: “IRON MOUNTAIN HYPOTHESES”

Editor’s Comments

“Taylor’s image of two people dancing on a lonely highway is quite invoking of romantic thoughts. I think this would add some flavor to the Mountain section, since it is placed near there.” - Donald Anderson, Publisher

“No doubt, these are the words from an experienced writer. Taylor presents a style all on her own, it’s humorous, lively and entertaining, I am there experiencing her short and sweet interpretation...She’s very witty, I like that, this poem is the perfect size and quality that I am looking for when I do the layout, it’s one of those poems that can fit best anywhere!” - Nikki Quismondo, Publisher

Poet: © Lorrie Salvetti

Taken from the Poem: “Untitled”

Editor’s Comments

“This reflection on the feelings we get from, hearing children speak things that seem so true, but that we seem to overlook, is so profound!” - Donald Anderson, Publisher

“Salvetti’s way of expression has much wisdom, it’s a wonderful message that I want to publish and share with the readers, it’s simple, yet full wisdom, wonderful balance, her poetry nurtures a beautiful truth, it is appropriate for all age groups and will add a positive balance with the other works in the book, it could be even put on the very 1st page, it’s a wonderful start to a good book!” - Nikki Quismondo, Publisher

Poet: © Lorrie Salvetti

Taken from the Poem: “Untitled”

Editor’s Comments

“This poem would do great for either the Shadow section of the book or the Sun section of the book, Lorrie, once again, has a inspirational message to share, she has something to say and her message is relayed in a very considerate manner and connects to the readers for most age groups, plus it’s fitting to one page, it’s the right amount of material for the book, it’s one of the poems that would fit well into the pages next to any poem.” - Nikki and Donald, Publishers

Poet: © Lorrie Salvetti

Taken from the Poem: “Angelic Warriors”

Editor’s Comments

“Here’s where Lorrie shows her ability to be a writer with a distinct style and poetic diction, this poem still relays a strong message as well as shows interesting metaphors. She includes many different aspects of the human existence, it’s holistic approach makes me want to place this poem at the very ending of the book, or it could go well in almost any section of the book, she’s got it all in this poem, she creates worlds with it!” - Donald and Nikki, Publishers

Poet: © Lorrie Salvetti

Taken from the Poem: “Untitled”

Editor’s Comments

“Her poem is almost like a strong and compassionate blessing. It makes a gratuitous opening! It has only four lines, but it is very thought provoking. It is so moving that we think it will make a wonderful dedication to our book. It is a celebration, with a mysterious quality that is almost as if life’s questions have been answered.” - Nikki and Donald, Publishers