Reyes Cardenas: Chicano Poet 1970-2010

Poetry. Fiction. Latino/Latina Studies. "An epic of Chicano existence in the last half of the 20th century and the first decade of the 21st, Reyes Cárdenas's work boldly depicts the outrageous ironies and wildly brutal truths of our humanity. Everyone is found here, from the Royal Chicano Air Force to Buddy Holly, and from Emily Dickinson to Gulliver to the S.S. Gloria Anzaldúa, and somehow they all confess honestly to each other in the unassuming genius of one of Aztlan's most prolific poets and most constant chroniclers.... These 372 poems, ranging from the experimental to the monumental, and one bawdy novella, represent a 40-year retrospective of the writings of one of this nation's most under-recognized poets. An almost stream-of-consciousness communal conscience transforms the reader and reveals that much of what has transpired around us is an attempt to look 'at this trafficking as poetic justice— / minus the poetry, of course, / and, maybe, even, minus the justice.' Riddled with historic and literary references, including the titles of works by Chican@ authors, this collection is a priceless opportunity for in-depth study, not just of the Chicano experience, but of a super-universe where the 'Plan Espiritual de Marte' exceeds the limits of time and ethnicity to help us truly comprehend our history, our present, and our future as well. A powerful and courageous poet."—Carmen Tafolla, Poet Laureate, City of San Antonio