UW-Madison’s Parallel Press releases three poetry chapbooks

Parallel Press, an imprint of the University of Wisconsin–Madison Libraries, has released three new chapbooks, with three more to follow later this year.

The three works, which delve into the human soul and examine its every emotion, are Roger Pfingston’s “Singing to the Garden,” Susan Elbe’s “Light Made from Nothing” and Judith Sornberger’s “Bones of Light.” Pfingston, Elbe and Sornberger are all award-winning poets who have published works in newspapers, journals, anthologies and chapbooks.

Pfingston is a retired English and photography teacher who published some of his early poetry in the New York Times. His work draws on common life around him: the somberness of a fallen apple left for the bees, joyous memories as a child in the southern Indiana and the frustration of a seeping septic tank. He explores the repose of country life and incorporates sensual imagery.

Elbe, who received a bachelor of arts degree in English from UW–Madison, works as a Web content analyst in Madison. She analyzes her life through poetry, beginning with her entry into the world and ending with a work on death and eternity. She discusses painful heartbreaks, relives catching a fish in Alaska and analyzes a tarot card reading. Her poem “Oconto County Fair” recalls a memory from childhood and reflects the different paths she and an old friend took.

Sornberger, originally from Nebraska, now teaches English and women’s studies at Mansfield University of Pennsylvania. Her work echoes themes of religion, love, relationships and youth. In “Mother-in-law,” the poet discusses the delicate connection between a daughterless mother and a daughter-in-law. Nature and country life are especially prevalent, as she writes about country fairs, her love of the Platte River and even a circling hawk in relation to her personal life.

Each Parallel Press chapbook is $10; an annual subscription (six books) is $50. Orders may be sent to: The Parallel Press, 372 Memorial Library, 728 State St., Madison, WI 53706.

For more information, call (608) 262-2600, e-mail parallelpress@library.wisc.edu or visit http://parallelpress.library.wisc.edu/chapbooks/poetry.