Poet Publishes First Book at 89!

It's easy to put your dreams up on a shelf for "some"day, but Charles Denton, age 89, took it down, dusted it off and discovered that dreams don't have expiration dates!

Last October, I was critiquing manuscripts for an author fair and Charles shuffled in with a binder of hand-written poetry under his arm. In a short time, I not only fell in love with his work, but with Charles himself. Soon I was typing and submitting poems for publication and meeting with Charles on a weekly basis.

After a few rejections from poetry journals, I asked Charles if he would like to self-publish. I'm glad he agreed. His poetry is meant to be shared and preserved. Crossing Purposes is now available and can be purchased and shipped for $15 (e-mail deb@sligtlyoff.com to order copies.).
Reviews –
“Charles Denton writes from the heart. He is a close observer, whose poems mirror the wondrous complexities of existence. Richly tempered and finely textured, they take us not to a distant place or time, but to a finer inner self.” – John Lehman, founder Rosebud Magazine http://www.rsbd.net/ and poetry editor.

“A thought provoking and rich collection of poetry with just a hint of southern charm. Mr. Denton inspires you to reflect on the profound relationships in nature, and in your own life.” – Deb DiSandro, author and writing instructor

Charles is an inspiration to us all and his poem, Dream Reaching, may just be the motivation you need to pull your own dream off the shelf.

Dream Reaching
by Charles Denton
How far is one’s spirit cast down
Beyond his reach, seemingly
Beyond his effort to endure
For a time perhaps
But not beyond his dream
For the dream is like a cleft
Where fingers grip
And each vision reaffirmed
An uplifting niche
On a gaping chasm wall
Where the sands of misadventure
Sift in choking dust
And the rocks of failure
Pelt heavily the upturned face
So that the being entire cries out
To bow the head and hunch the shoulders
In beaten retreat
But the drawing dream
Will not accede
And one has but to grip it
With the eye
And not set it loose
For there is no depth
Greater than the sight
Of a dream embraced

You’re all invited to Charles Denton’s Book Signing!
For those local to Chicago, please join us:
Sunday, July 19th 1-4 p.m.
Driscoll’s Pub (815-436-0992)
201 Vertin Blvd., Shorewood, IL 60404
(No reservations required. Drop me an e-mail if you plan to stop by)
deb@slightlyoff.com