May, June and All the Years Before

Don Scheller is a poet, teacher, and visual artist, who makes his home in Buffalo, NY. The images and poems included in this volume were created independently of each other, over the course of 40 years. Scheller's sometimes dark, always thought-provoking, black & white photographs visually reinforce the introspective message in each of his poems, including his long forms and his "almost Haiku" short pieces. His deep sensitivity and wry humor are apparent throughout. The book contains 99 photographs. The material is presented with alternating image and poem, in seven chapters: 1. "Along the Way" portrays a vivid picture of the artist's youthful memories and lessons learned. 2. "Faithful Delusion" reflects Scheller's deep, somewhat cynical, grasp of how people fool themselves with unadulterated trust in authority. 3. "Critically Creating" delivers some delightful insights on the creative process and experience. 4. "Relating...Sometimes Loving" is at once a reflection of the artist's empathic observations of relationships, including, perhaps, a look into Scheller's own heart. 5. In "Memories & Loss Thereof" Scheller displays a sensitivity and affection for those close to him, especially his mother, who suffered from Alzheimer's. 6. "Caffeinated Views". Scheller spends his quiet time at coffee shops, observing, thinking, and writing. 7. "Short Pieces (...almost Haiku)". In recent years, the artist has shown a preference for the short verse. He favors the Japanese Haiku form, but willfully deviates from strict adherence to the standard Haiku. Don Scheller's work will make you think, smile, and cry. Len Kagelmacher, Editor Buffalo Arts Publishing