Dear John- is a collection of poems that investigate and explore the multi-facets of love by using diverse points of view to reveal romantic love, loving friendships, and love that is complicated. The namesake poem for which this book was conceived, the final poem, "Dear John-," is an epistolary poem in multiple stanzas ultimately on which the theme of this book is derived. "what happens between the notes // is the living."
"As a veteran, who deployed to Iraq, I know what it's like to place hope in a letter, not knowing what awaits me on the other side. LeHew addresses the unknowing with remarkable honesty, courage, and wisdom."
-Kristine Iredale, poet, veteran, kick-ass baker"Laura LeHew pulls at her scabs with grace, wit, and poetic honesty. Keep this one close by because it is worth reading several times."
-Christopher J. Jarmick, writer, poet and owner of BookTree in Kirkland, Washington"The evocative language along with the monosyllabic words bring to life a collage of grief, desire, loss, sexuality, and repression. Line after line a new secret is revealed.... LeHew's poetry is stunning, clear and melodic."
-Raúl Sánchez, author of All Our Brown-Skinned Angelsand 2019-2021 City of Redmond Poet LaureateFormer girl scout Laura LeHew is enthralled by negative spaces. Her collections include: Buyer's Remorse (Tiger's Eye Press-Infinities) poems on abuse; Let Widows be Widows (Unsolicited Press-forthcoming) themed around the elegiac; Becoming (Another New Calligraphy) a non-linear discourse on alcoholism & dementia; Willingly Would I Burn, (MoonPath Press) math & science; It's Always Night, It Always Rains (Winterhawk Press) murder/noir; and Beauty (Tiger's Eye Press) fairy tales.In her alternate life Laura has been active in the high-tech industry for over thirty-five years. Her company Deer Run Associates provides Computer Forensic investigations & Information Security consulting services working with law enforcement & commercial organizations on some of the largest and most high-profile cybercrime cases in recent years.Laura received her MFA from the California College of the Arts. She is on the steering committee for the Lane Literary Guild and facilitates the 1st & 3rd critique group. Laura held various positions for the Oregon Poetry Association. She co-hosted a reading series, Poetry for the People. Recent residencies include Hypatia-in-the-Wood & PLAYA. Laura owns/edits Uttered Chaos, a small press which publishes books of poetry.
