Iguanas of El Ray
by
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Iguanas of El Ray They walk among piles of stone now exposed, communities expropriated and foreclosed, remains unearthed again for the new conquest, to be reformed for the tourist’s behest; these constant chameleons of Yucatan, who witnessed the migration of the Mayan, sun now on fragmented albarradas and run now between ancient palapas. Scuttling not before the landing galleons nor the subsequent slaughter of millions they now inhabit the haciendas and dwell amid inherited Spanish casas. Bothering not to adapt to the advance of man and manners invading from France, surviving still in maintained sovereign pose, they thrive still about picturesque chateaux. Fleeing not developers from foreign lands upturning history in Yucatan sands they remain evidence true in the face of modern temples that alter their space. Retreating not from the repeating lot searching out their ideal vacation spot they cope with the cycle of occupants and cohabit this coast of opulence. Beneath it all, evading evolution yet surmounting every revolution and too, triumphant through the turbulence posing peacefully in co-existence, Iguanas still build their homes in the ruin of civilization lost in Cancun – superposed coparcenary today act as languorous landlords of El Ray.
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About the Book
Iguanas of El Ray is an account of a scene shaped by changing influences. The book is also a collection of poems that reflect on how we all have adapted or failed to adapt to them in our lives and in our world. The poems are about growing up and growing outward, common experiences, and experiencing highs and lows. They are about discovering the beauty and value of love for ourselves and within that world we share with others to build a caring and just community. So it is also about lifestyle choices and the lifestyle of the iguanas has also always seemed rather appealing to me.
About the Author
I was originally born in Australia but came to Alberta, Canada with my folks at a very early age, grew up in Calgary primarily and finished high school there. Growing up in that part of the province I developed a love of skiing, hiking, camping, horseback riding and pretty well anything outdoors, especially if it was in the Rockies. I came to Edmonton in 1973 to attend university and I am still living here today due mainly to the people of the city. I have married twice during those years and my wife, Leslie, and I raised our blended family in this community. Along the way I have also developed interests in scuba diving, traveling, social justice, and volunteering. I remain as active as possible in all these activities and writing about them and sharing them has also grown more important now that I have retired. When introduced to the sounds and imagery of poetry I began to write my first poems and entered a contest during high school. To my surprise I finished well but only continued to write sporadically for years about my feelings and experiences but always especially loved to work with the sounds of language. Becoming more involved with social justice issues has opened my heart as well as new desires to write about these injustices, events and people in the hope of promoting a more global community.