The Human Face of Love

About the Book

The island where you live, whether a geographical or mental state, which you might well hope will be your personal paradise, is still an effect of the sea of humanity of which each of us is a part, not apart. Those featured in this book have come together through poetry readings in Alameda, island in the San Francisco Bay, and, together, present an impassioned collection of poems, songs, art, journal excerpts, and stories showing the human face of love, Here is concern for mental health issues, brain chemistry balance, head injury, emotional trauma, genetics, and social attitudes; - all that affects the human persona, the psyche, that makes human, a humanity, where each can better love and be loved.

About the Author

Alameda’s Poet Laureate Mary Rudge is a phenomenon who is unique but not rare since many literary persons: William Saroyan, Jack London, Don Blanding, Robert Louis Stevenson, Robert Duncan, poet-musicians such as Jim Morrison of The Doors, with Phyllis Diller, (and numerous visual artists, musicians, writers, fi lm-makers, actors such as Tom Hanks, and peace activists not encompassed in this book) have made a connection to this island that has become legendary for the genius of its people in a place so small. Readers of this story-map of the island’s literary history by Mary Rudge will have a fascinating experience following the route around the island where her ardent heart leads you; where poets in the past have been touched by the sense of place and their experiences. A walk around Alameda, following passages in this book, is an adventure in the real world of the excitement in lives of poets.