Linda Nutt Libri

The poems in this powerful new collection explore the history of conflict and resilience--whether it occurs during the Nazi occupation of Poland, the Balkan wars in Bosnia and Croatia, or within the intimate tableaux of a family's dissonance. Weaving poems into three distinct sections, Linda Nemec Foster pays close attention to not only what divides us, but also to what can heal and redeem our common journey: an artist's notebook; the imagined life of Mary Magdalene; a fascination with Mount Fuji; a mother's obsession with vintage movie stars; a dead father's love. The Blue Divide resonates with the landscape of the world and the landscape of the heart.

The tragic events of September 11, 2001, changed the world and Little Tre's life forever. Growing in New York City, Little Tree becomes tattered, shattered and buried by debris from the terrorist attack of the nearby Twin Towers on that fateful day. After weeks hidden from sight, he is miraculously discovered to be alive. Recognized as the last living thing to be removed from Ground Zero, he is carefully transported to Van Cortlandt Park's nursery to heal. Through years of nurturing and healing, Little Tree grows and is affectionately nicknamed "Survivor Tree." Written for the young, but meant to be treasured by all, Little Tree's story exemplifies how personal determination, coupled with loving support, can defy all odds to persevere through life's tragedies and challenges.