Lalitamba: An Uplifting Literary Experience No. 2

Lalitamba was inspired by a pilgrimage through India. In 2004, we traveled from village to village, seeking to alleviate the suffering that comes from poverty, illness, and plain loss of hope. In India, the Divine Mother is called Lalitamba. She is looked to as the supporter of the universe.

Lalitamba is a journal of liberation. The writings inspire the reader to see beyond the troubles of daily life to the bigger picture of being. Sapphire's poem "Fairy Tale #1" tells of surviving incest. S. Churchill's poem "Zacchaeus Soup Kitchen" is written from the point of view of a homeless man and describes the beauty of a woman who is not afraid to smile. Lorraine Tolliver's poem "6a.m. Cold Ciphering" commands the reader to give up the sorrow of accumulation for the sun's great journey skyward.

Lalitamba is also about cutting through the illusions of death, fear, and desire to know truth. The collection opens with Dina Greenberg's short story "Lost Milagros." In Greenberg's story, a Mexican immigrant finds herself out of place in the American hospital where she is being treated for cancer. Ultimately, she comes to realize that this hospital where she lies, perhaps dying, is the same place where her youngest granddaughter was born. The story brings home the continuity of life, through the cycle of birth and death, as well as a rich cultural heritage that will be passed down through generations.

The collection comes together with Gregory Colbert's cover photo of a child who appears to have wings. The image speaks to the innocence of our own hearts and suggests that we explore abilities we may not believe we have.

Proceeds benefit Refuge, a holistic women's shelter in New York City. The journal is also donated to hospitals, prisons, and shelters throughout the United States.