The Kite - a story poem
by Linda Opyr
illustrations by Jen Rosoff
              

           for adults and young adults
90 pages, 6x9”, paperback, cover art by Linda Opyr
$15 + $5 shipping and handling (includes NYS tax where applicable)
for 2 books: $38
for more than 2 copies, email: mankh(a)allbook-books.com

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“The Kite is a charming addition to Linda Opyr’s impressive body of work. Already a master of the short, lyric poem, Opyr expands her repertoire in this playful and whimsical “story poem.” With a light touch, the story is told like a fairy tale for grown-ups, complete with illustrations.

“Opyr has crafted a Zen-like meditation on the ephemeral nature of existence in a world of constant change where there is always “a different moon.” The language is spare, but evocative, as are the illustrations by Jen Rosoff. This collection is best experienced in one sitting—then reread, savored, and contemplated. Like a tiny brass bell, it will quietly echo in you, creating nearly imperceptible vibrations that will reverberate in you ever after.”
             ~ Deborah Hauser, Poet Laureate of Suffolk County, NY (2023-2025)

           The Story

1

Flower bent her stalk and leaned back
           on the arms of her two strongest leaf stems.

Her biggest leaves, such tender hands,
           soft on the ground.

Ready to listen.

2

The Little One curled herself round as a sun.

Glowed with excitement.

Loved a story.

Through the fire’s light, she listened to flower
               through new eyes.

The eyes of their story beginning.
 

3

The fire’s first story that night was both familiar
           and unfamiliar.

A long ago land. A long ago Danger.

A risk needing to be taken.

Linda Opyr, Poet Laureate Nassau County 2011–2013, is the author of nine collections of poetry. Her poems have appeared in The Hudson Review, Poetry Ireland Review, Atlanta Review, Paterson Literary Review, The Stony Thursday Book, Crannòg, Antiphon, The Seventh Quarry, Long Island Quarterly, Oberon, Nassau County Poet Laureate Society Review and The New York Times. Numerous other journals, anthologies, and newspapers have published her poems, as well.

The poet’s life and work is deeply rooted in the natural world. Her walks in Long Island’s woods and gardens, and pilgrim- ages to shores, bays and ocean are central to her days. She is devoted to protecting the health of our skies, seas, and land, as well as that of all living beings who share the ephemeral and eternal beauty of our Mother Earth. She lives on Long Island, New York, and may be contacted to schedule readings or workshops via her website: www.lindaopyr.com

Website © 2025 by Walter E. Harris III.
Book © 2025 by Linda Opyr.
illustrations © 2025 by Jen Rosoff.