unremarkable

Most of us are familiar with the word cocoon. It is also likely that, as a child, we watched in amazement, as tiny larvae spun a silken web around itself, becoming totally encapsulated. Although this silken shield was actually quite beautiful to see, hopefully someone explained to us that this magical process of nature was an act of protection, for the helpless larvae, to shelter it from destruction from numerous predators. And, if we watched long enough, we were treated to the metamorphosis of the larvae into a beautiful, colorful butterfly.

In A. C. Fernandez first published collection of poetry UNREMARKABLE, we are treated to a quite remarkable act of self-preservation during her childhood and early adulthood, in which she created an emotional cocoon. Although we usually think of the word cocoon primarily as a noun, it may also be used as a verb; retreat - as if into a cocoon from an unfriendly environment. Such was the act in the life of A. C. Fernandez. Fortunately, for those of us having the opportunity to read her poetry, she has permitted us to look inside her cocoon and to view her withdrawal and existence as she created her shield of self-preservation. Even more fortuitous is that we are provided with the picture of Angeli as she breaks open her cocoon and spreads her wings in a happy and colorful display of poetic imagery.