I Do: The Coffee Table Edition

Foreword Siddartha Beth Pierce opens all your poetic senses in her book, I Do. Her imagery is so sharp it could cut through stone. Not only does her poetry strike all the heart’s strings, she also includes original art that’s equally as breathtaking. The poetry and visual art marries in this comfortable middle space where the common place and extraordinary meet to dance and compare notes. You will feel like you’re being walked into a labyrinth of secrets you didn’t know had answers. Yet, Pierce doesn’t give up the ghost easily. Even though her themes are accessible by the casual reader, to those who like to dig a little (or a great deal) deeper will find jewels of whimsy and wisdom worth the second, third, or fourth readings. I Do is a volume you don’t pick up and read from cover-to-cover like some pulp fiction. You digest it slowly and let the colors, smells, sounds, and divine spark flow from the pages then sink firmly into your consciousness. Pierce speaks to you in a comforting, familiar tone as if you’ve been her friend for years. She’s never garish or thumbing anyone in the eye to prove a point. This is a poet who introduces you to the most private parts of herself, reminds you why you adore Mozart, and how spiritual the mundane can be when placed under the right light. These poems illuminate an ethereal part of human nature that always wants to love better, know more, and care with greater intensity about how words are used. Pierce’s deliberate use of language appears effortless, but the design is far from it. I Do is a book of poetry that deserves a place on the bookshelf, but more importantly, it’s better on the nightstand when a bit of beauty and grace are needed to brush off a bad day. Clifford Brooks author of The Draw of Broken Eyes & Whirling Metaphysics ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Preface ‘I Do’ is a compilation of poems and artworks created over the last ten years. It is a compilation of works that explore humanity, writing, science and what it means to ‘do’. It is my hope, as author and artist, that anyone who reads this book may find something of themselves and/or something to relate to whether visually or in print that is satisfying and fulfilling. There is an exploration within this text of relationships, how we should treat one another kindly always, sharing and caring. The sensual undertakings we experience are also revered within these paintings, drawings and poems. My artistic endeavors both visually and literary are shared here and it is my hope that you may find something worthwhile in these explorations to warm your heart, soul and mind. ‘Philosophy begins in wonder and wonder is the duty of the Philosopher.’ ~ Aristotle Blessings and creative perusing to all that take the time to discover some of themselves within this work of poetry and visual arts. ~ Siddartha Beth Pierce