Publisher's Synopsis
At its best, poetry can make a reader feel less alone in the world. These small poems by two vital young voices lay bare complex struggles with religion in a way that feels unguarded and welcoming. An authentic and powerful collection.
- Susan Antolin, editor of Acorn: a Journal of Contemporary Haiku
After Amen: A Memoir in Two Voices reveals the collective experiences between two people from vastly different cultures and backgrounds. As former members of separate fundamentalist religious sects, Haynes and Roman find common ground in their daily struggles, alienation from society, loss of faith, and ultimately their healing. This journey of resiliency is a rare glimpse into the lives of those who silently struggle after leaving all they knew behind them for hope of life on the other side.
These two poets tackle the common, yet often silent, struggle between what is religion and what is faith. Touching on uniquely personal experiences, these poems are powerful markers along their journeys to discover who they are and what they believe.
-Bryan Rickert, Co-editor of Failed Haiku
This collection of short but exacting poems weaves the poets' shared struggle to rebuild lives of authenticity. Brave and courageous in its brutal honesty, After Amen is a must-read.
-Julie Bloss Kelsey, author of The Call of Wildflowers
