Jerra D. James San Jacinto, California

Pen Name: Jerra D. James Profession: writing instructor at a local college, Teacher for Native American Indian youth Honors: 1994 Preceptor Delta Phi Woman of the Year, 1994 Who's Who Among America's Teachers, active in Beta Sigma Phi and Anti-Child Abuse Programs Personal: My strong, southern upbringing has taught me to be sensual yet appropriate, strong yet gentle, a fighter yet nonviolent Poetry: My goal as a writer is to be energizing, meaningful, and thought provoking. Presently authoring a thematic book of poems Southern Short Story writer and humorist.

Night Lurings Cat Black Moon-sliced Night Lays upon his Midnight Lake And lures her with a Splice of stars To conceive Another Eve of Cat Black Moon-sliced night...

Through Dark and Light and Changing Mists I'm rising up from beaten down Like rib-backed ridges scorched with ice. I'm railing up at Nature's poundings-- Her constant breaking of rock-hard bones-- Her endless thrashing of earthy faces. I'm rising up from fire-blood floors As monumental as the mountains... Shrouded in the midnight smoke.

The Sun Slayer He's catacombs of Evening with a full Moonlight mind He's starbursts and Dark gusts that need Day eclipsed. He's nightfall of Shadows that warm Bedroom dreams While he whispers Fire words, re- Kindling desire. I, without armor, Slay giants of Sky gold with Torches of Passion that pale Trailing Dawn. And, oh how we glow Without any sun.

All poems Copyright © 1996 Jerra D. James. All rights reserved.