Roy Anthony Shabla is a respected poet and painter. His work in various media of the Arts and Letters consistently receives critical acclaim.
Shabla currently has two books of poetry in print, the most recent of which is libretti lumi, a post-modernist love story, which received this review:
There is an overall sense of sureness and calmness in the poems presented… The subjects and symbolism are sharp yet they exude a relaxed state. I’m glad I opened the cover and dived on in –this is a poetry book I would read again and again. ~ThePoetryMarket.com
His earlier book of poetry, eating God, has been hailed as the spiritual heir to Rumi. If poets could be superstars, at least in this time and country, Roy Anthony Shabla would be the man to watch! ~Spirit of the Valley
Shabla has also published several poetry chapbooks, including the new, i write therefore i am. It is a quirky and poetic look at why writers write and why readers read. This is something you will enjoy.
Newly updated. This chapbook of minimalist poetry shines a spotlight on the reality of modern interpersonal communication. A delicacy and subtlety unknown to Richard Brautigan permeates this work; ... More > a clean starkness visited only by Mishima; a clarity possessed only by the great haiku poets ~ this is conversations.
The first review: In his latest literary effort, conversations, Roy Anthony Shabla becomes the proverbial "fly on the wall". From this vantage point, he observes and light-heartedly describes the awkward social interactions inherent in the potential and ongoing relationships of others as well as his own. His inimitable poetic banter is both entertaining and biting and can even be, at times, poignant. A highly readable chapbook, conversations is a welcome addition to Shabla's growing ouvre.< Less
This collection of traditional Zen Buddhist koans is lovingly retold for the modern student of Buddhism. The language and cultural details of the koans are simplified for the Western reader without... More > diluting the cultural flavor or significance.
Koans are Zen Buddhist teaching tools –riddles, anecdotes, and such– used to liberate the logical mind of the student. The linguistic nature of koans lends itself to poetic language and, thus, these koans are offered and expanded in poetry instead of prose.
Even if you are familiar with the practice of Zen koans, this book will enhance your understanding of the koans themselves, further opening that important aspect of Buddhist monastic culture to you.
A penetrating and simply powerful read for both student and master, open table is a landscape for the journey of the mind and soul.< Less
Newly revised and updated. This is a practical feng shui book anyone can use. Simple, clear ideas about architecture that will change your life. Includes secret information most masters will not... More > reveal. Do not buy or remodel a house without it. This book is your most important purchase during difficult economic times. Highly praised by feng shui experts.
Feng shui is the ancient science of architectural ecology which manipulates subtle energies to influence Earth-luck. Simple feng shui remedies can divert disaster and attract prosperity, romance, and vitality into your home. Written to be understood by the lay person, contains simple checklists for each room of the house. This book will change your life and the lives of those you love.< Less
Lyrical and deeply resonant, this book of post-modernist poetry explores the dynamics of inter-personal relationships and communication. Built on classical forms, the work draws a direct line from... More > the modern avant garde back through colonial and medieval literature to ancient Rome and Greece. In many ways, it is a summation of the long tradition of literature in the Western world.
But don’t let that intimidate you. libretti lumi is a simple and personal account of the effects of love. You will find yourself and your relationships in this book ~the title implies the epiphany you will have when reading it.
Non-narrative in format, libretti lumi is the cycles of poetry for two operas. Actually, it is one cantata (a pre-cursor form to opera) and one opera. It is also thoroughly modern and accessible.
Toying with the game between science and spirituality, libretti lumi sheds light on the inner garden from which both science and spirituality spring. It is a book of emotions rationally explored.< Less
Newly expanded edition. This is the most autobiographical book I have written thus far. It is a "portrait of the artist as a young vandal" complete with confessions of illegal... More > international activities. Updated with important, early blog entries on poets and poetry. It is also a moving story of finding one's artistic self in the world despite current trends and styles. The backdrop of the narrative is the peace, human rights, and ecology movements and it is a beautiful primer on the work of peace, protest, and public art. It is even more important and powerful during this time of lingering war.
Karma yoga is selfless and benevolent activity ~ from personal acts of kindness, generosity, and hospitality to charity and activism in the world. This book documents a search for self through the personal journey of art and activism, graffiti and rebellion. (PEACE) WORDS is a highly engaging and motivational read. It will alter your perspective on the world.< Less
The lovechild of Dr Seuss and Philip Glass is a Zen master named, i write therefore i am. Or, i am not. This chapbook is a hall of mirrors which reflects more reality than fantastic or fractured... More > distortion. It is a writer’s handbook on why we write; poems about the soul of poetry. It is music and psychoanalysis and a string of epiphanies knotted like a cat’s cradle. Hypnotic, dizzying… the book is a “must read” for any writer and any reader who considers literature an essential part of life.< Less
Through the resonant images of keys, this small book of avant garde verse and prose poetry illuminates the family history and interpersonal relationships of the poet, achieving self-awareness for... More > the writer and reader, and releasing the obstacles to creativity. Or, to put the key in the lock, it is a delightful story of growing up and learning who you are.
Non-linear and non-narrative in format, this chapbook, like the cycle of life itself, is a puzzle whose picture gets clearer as the pages turn... and you will find yourself in different places every time you read it. You will find yourself different every time you read it.
And, as always, it is a love story; it is the story of the long, slow process of unlocking love for yourself and others.
You will never look at a key the same way again.< Less
This is the updated and expanded version of the highly acclaimed book of ecstatic poetry, eating God. It is a transcendent cycle of poems documenting the spiritual awakening of a simple man in the... More > modern world. It will delight and refresh you with its reality and compassion. This is a book you will read and read again. And share with others.
"If poets could be superstars, at least in this time and country, Roy Anthony Shabla would be the man to watch!" ~Spirit of the Valley.
This book removes God from the stranglehold of religions and offers the reader the possibility of spirituality on a personal basis. eating God is a book of surprising poems chronicling the spiritual development, humanity, and true compassion of a friend of the divine. Prepare to be delighted, moved, and changed. This poetry speaks to you.< Less
Newly updated. This small book of guided meditations will change your life. From the very first reading, you will feel a tangible effect. Use it as a spiritual first aid kit. This meditation poem... More > takes affirmations to an entirely new level and your spiritual life will thank you. Very advanced but still accessible to the beginner. A metaphysical triumph! Read this book everyday and you will live forever.< Less
in the universal language of esperanto, this avant garde / sound / deconstructionist / dada poetry is a magical experience that changes with each reading. enjoy!
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