Here in Sanctuary-Whirling

<p><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Whatever else it may be poetry is foremost a witnessing and D. Dina Friedman is our conscience and guide as she transports us to the border-physically and poetically-so we can better understand the pain and struggle that keeps the machinery of the world running and what drives a person to become so desperate that he might send his daughter over the bridge alone to face the guards. How is it that we have become people who love each other / hating the people across the river who love each other. In deceptively plain-spoken language that reaches deep into what it means to be human Dina uses her words to sharpen our senses and focus our attention. But if we listen closely we will also find a necessary courage in a child's pair of striped overalls hanging on barbed wires or even in a makeshift tent / called school where hope hides in every heart soft as the young cat / stretched luxurious across the bed or a puff / of milkweed riding the wave of the wind. Dina's words burst forth like a bashful baby suddenly smiling. She teaches us with humor horror love and concentration what it means to truly see and listen to those in need. </span><em style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Here in Sanctuary</em>-<em style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Whirling</em><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)> is a beautiful and important book of poetry.</span></p><p><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)> </span></p><p>-<span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Richard Michelson National Jewish Book Award Winner author of </span><em style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Sleeping As Fast As I Can </em></p><p><em style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)> </em></p><p><em style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)> </em></p><p><br></p><p><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>D. Dina Friedman's revelatory book captures the essence of what it means to be and remain human in times of tyranny. This book is a meditation tool for both seeker and cynic.</span></p><p><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)> </span></p><p>-<span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Magdalena Gómez Poet Laureate of Springfield MA (2019-2022); author of </span><em style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Mi'ja a memoir noir</em></p><p><em style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)> </em></p>