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by Mattie Quesenberry Smith (Editor)
A Powerful Anthology of Courage and Healing
Perseverance and Resilience: Poems from the Veterans Poetry Project is an essential collection that bridges the gap between the battlefield and civilian life. Edited by Virginia Poet Laureate Mattie Quesenberry Smith, PhD, his anthology features raw, authentic voices from veterans across all branches of the U.S. military.
This collection is more than just a book of poetry; it is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling. The poems within these pages range from the visceral memories of early service to the complex challenges of re-entering civilian society.
As the contributors demonstrate, writing becomes a way to navigate the aftermath of service. In "Mother War," Anne Barlieb writes of the communal healing found through art: "We lean in and remember we are not alone in this labor / ... / The artist asks mother war, 'What would you have me create, now?' / Yourself, she whispers, create yourself".
The collection does not shy away from the weight of these experiences; instead, it reshapes them into language that fosters understanding and healing. As Steven L. London reflects in "I Remain," the path forward is found in stillness and connection: "We speak of perseverance / as if it is muscle or will, / yet I have found it in stillness, / in the simple act of breath".
The poems provide an intimate look at the lived experiences of service members, from the camaraderie of the ranks to the silent burdens carried long after returning home.
A Mission of Well-being: Born from a statewide initiative supported by the Academy of American Poets Laureate Fellowships and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the project is dedicated to supporting the long-term well-being of veterans and their families through creative expression.
With contributions from veterans across all military branches, the anthology offers a rich tapestry of perspectives that honor the endurance and spirit of those who have served.
