The Abiding Image by Cathy Smith Bowers gives testament to poet and editor Alfred A. Poulin’s belief that “the very act of writing poetry is an affirmative one, saying no to any force that would destroy the human spirit.” Part handbook, part memoir, part stand-up comedy routine, this collection of essays and lectures will provide inspiration and guidance for any writer, reader, and teacher of poetry. From those who have no idea where to begin to those in need of practical and innovative ways to reboot and revive, this book is for you.

Praise for Cathy Smith Bowers

Put simply, I cannot imagine American poetry without Cathy Smith Bowers’ original voice nor her extraordinary imagination.

—Major Jackson, author of The Absurd Man: Poems

Cathy’s powerful poems open new avenues of thought and are a reflection of the love of words and learning. She believes poetry inspires and instructs North Carolinians of all ages.

—Bev Perdue, North Carolina Governor, 2009–2013

Cathy Smith Bowers uses a modesty of presentation and an economy of means in the interest of saying something genuine. Nor does she confuse sincerity with honesty. What she says, she means and knows that if she said more she might actually mean less.

—Fred Chappell, North Carolina Poet Laureate, 1997–2002