Verses from Atop the Mountain

Author Giftus John's goal for his home island of Dominica is to reach to the top of the mountain-a milestone of greatness-despite all the difficulties it faces. Although Dominicans may leave their home in pursuit of other dreams, he believes that someday they will return to a better land.

Building on this idea, "Verses from atop the Mountain" expresses John's passion and concern for events in his homeland and his hopes that its negative situations will soon be remedied. This anthology of poems focuses on an array of topics: politics, nature, culture, love of country, abuse, life and death, and human behavior. Poems such as "The Migrant's Song," also explore the conditions that Dominicans may encounter in their adopted homelands, like the United States. Although there are hurdles to navigate for Dominica, as John makes clear in the last poem of the collection, "Living in Hope," there is hope for the future.

Sharing one man's deep love for the land he still calls home, "Verses from atop the Mountain" presents poetry that invites you to experience the beauty and unique life of Dominica.