It Speaks

by

SPADES and Swords

Snippets from Chapter 1.
Of SPADES and Swords

-Snippets

from “Old Town” by s.s.raros

Once upon a time

Was an abominable crime

That all the policemen know

But they let the mayor’s son go

-Snippets

from “The Color Red” by s.s.raros

It is bodies littered along the golden plains.

It is the sand of time running in our veins.

-Snippets

from “Black Suit” by s.s.raros

“Goodbye Black Tie.” Over breakfast, I almost

greeted my husband but suddenly got the urge

to run naked through a field of blood red roses.

-Snippets

from “Yellow Men” by s.s.raros

wear the smile that goes with the suit,

the battle cry, “In our company we trust”

and punch the clock that turns to rust

-Snippets

from “Work Song” by s.s.raros

Learn to tolerate others and do not gloat.

After work, you can wring each other’s throat.

Try not to have an attack of salesman’s guilt,

This is how the industry was built.

-Snippets

from “Promise The Land” by s.s.raros

Guns, bombs, and protests are the dialects

of our confusion. Who is worthy

to take helm and steer our nation?

Away from the litter of murdered truths?

Of forked tongues in a constitution of fools.

Who can live in a land where deception rules?

BOOK

Sheryl’s creative spirit shines through her latest poetry collection, It Speaks, which offers readers a profound exploration of life’s material and spiritual realms through her unique styles and evocative imagery.

It Speaks

a Collection of Poetry

It Speaks is a collection of 56 poems, thoughtfully divided into two volumes, Banal and Auroral, each exploring different aspects of life through evocative imagery and symbolism. The collection is further segmented into four chapters, represented by the suits of playing cards: Spades, Diamonds, Clubs, and Hearts, each symbolizing a unique thematic exploration.

Banal delves into the struggles of the urban world, reflecting challenges of the material life, while Auroral reaches into spiritual longings and romantic expressions. The cover art uses symbolic characters to illustrate the four elements: the sword embedded in stone (Earth), the tin man with burning paper money (Fire), the strawman with flying dice and cards (Wind), and the queen with a tipped chalice (Water). These images capture the essence of the poems and their elemental themes.

More than a mere collection, It Speaks serves as a riddle, urging readers to unravel hidden stories of pain, love, and transformation. Through the interplay of cards, elements, and carefully chosen words, each piece offers a reflective journey into the complexities of life.

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About Me

Sheryl S. Raros with nom de plume “s.s.raros” is a twice-published Filipina poetess and with this latest book of 56 poems called ‘It Speaks” she will be making her very first international debut. Sheryl S. Raros began writing in 1990. Her high school paper THE BLUE KNIGHT published her first short stories. The very first poem was published 1991 under nom de plume “s.s.raros.” In 1997 she submitted a 9-volume thesis “The Beginnings of Conversation: A Collection of Poetry from the Early Years (1992-1997)” which won the first-ever Best Thesis for Creative Work award from University of the Philippines Los Baños Department of Humanities. Some of her poetry has since then been studied in classrooms and some dramatized by theater students in UPLB. Her poems have appeared in magazines such as KITSCH, THE PHILIPPINES FREE PRESS, MIRROR WEEKLY, PHILIPPINE GRAPHIC, POETRY NOW: A PUBLICATION OF THE SACRAMENTO POETRY CENTER. Her poetry was also included in the independent film Lambanog (2006). The author is a Writing Fellow For Poetry in English in the 33″ University of the Philippines Creative Writing Center. The author is notorious for pushing the boundaries of poetry by writing in styles that are not just aural but visual. Poetry in algebraic format as well as typography, “prometry” and “palindrometry” (word coinages by s.s.raros) are her current contributions to the literary world.

  • Her 9-volume thesis The Beginnings of Conversation won the first Best Thesis for Creative Work award from UPLB’s Department of Humanities in 1998.
  • Raros’s poetry has been featured in magazines and was included in the 2006 independent film Lambanog.
  • Known for experimental poetry, she developed unique styles like "prometry" and "palindrometry," incorporating visual and typographic elements.
  • It Speaks, her latest book with 56 poems, marks her international debut.

Available Soon!

It Speaks

Prepare to embark on a profound journey through life’s elemental forces with Sheryl S. Raros’s latest poetry collection, It Speaks.

This two-volume masterpiece, Banal and Auroral, navigates the material and spiritual realms, respectively, with poems rich in imagery and symbolism. Each chapter, represented by the suits of Spades, Diamonds, Clubs, and Hearts, unfolds unique themes that reveal hidden stories of pain, love, and transformation.

Exclusive Preview of It Speaks:

  • Volume Breakdown: Two distinct volumes, Banal and Auroral, covering both urban struggles and spiritual aspirations.
  • Chapter Symbolism: The four suits of cards bring themes to life — Spades (Endurance), Diamonds (Aspiration), Clubs (Challenge), and Hearts (Emotion).
  • Elemental Cover Art: Each symbolic character on the cover art represents an element, blending nature’s essence with human experience.
  • Invitation to Explore: With every poem, you’re invited to unravel the riddles of life, love, and inner growth.

Available Soon! Stay tuned to be among the first to delve into this transformative collection.

Ghost Writing Galaxy

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Book Cover Artwork

Book cover and book title concept by Sheryl S. Raros. Cover art illustration is executed by GHOST WRITING GALAXY ART DEPARTMENT. Back cover art DNA strand genetics symbol drawing stock illustration by Frank Ramspott. Back cover visual poem is by s.s.raros. Black and white joker icon executed by GHOST WRITING GALAXY ART DEPARTMENT.