"Box of Chocolates" fills an important need in the world. In the face of an uncertain and broken world, poetry emerges as a transformative force, igniting the fires of compassion, truth, and empathy. In these desperate times, when extremism, hatred, prejudice, deceit, and selfishness seem to prevail, the world needs poetry more than ever. Amidst the chaos and confusion, poetry serves as a sanctuary for those seeking peace and comfort, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of the human experience. It weaves words into a tapestry of profound meaning, capturing the essence of our shared struggles and triumphs. Poetry gives a voice to the unheard, empowering the silenced and marginalized. Through its evocative verses, poetry transcends the limitations of language, touching the depths of our souls with its raw honesty. It offers comfort in times of despair, resilience in the face of adversity, and hope when all seems lost. In the embrace of poetry, individuals find the armor they need to navigate the treacherous terrain of our world, emerging stronger, wiser, and ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead. The poems in this diverse collection serve as reminders to look beyond ourselves and our narrow perspectives, embracing the broader context of our existence. They remind us to see the world's beauty, laugh at its absurdities, and use our imaginations to envision a better world.
Don Iannone is the author of 24 books, which include 4 nonfiction works, 10 poetry collections, and 10 photographic essays, and many academic and professional journal articles. His forthcoming book "Humanizing the American Dream: Literary Pathways to a New Vision of Well-Being" traces the American Dream through American literature and offers a new humanistic vision of the dream. The new book was sparked by his former career as an economic developer and economic development consultant, where he saw the American Dream failing too many Americans. Don serves as a faculty member at the Business School of the European Union-based Transcontinental University. There he is working to humanize business. Together with his wife, Mary, he has been providing part-time complementary medicine services to patients at the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center since 2017. Don's career has led him to 32 states, 10 countries, and 10 American Indian reservations. In October 2023, he published an informative and entertaining personal memoir, 'Stories from an Hourglass, ' which shares his life story. Born in the steel and coal regions of Eastern Ohio, Don's early life in Martins Ferry and St. Clairsville lends a genuine depth to his life story. He and his wife live in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Don holds doctorates in Divinity and Philosophy.
