Baltimore Sonnets

As I work on new images for Love Sonnets from Shakespeare to Baltimore,  I'm reminded of the wonderful inspirations found on the shelves of the Smithsonian libraries.   I miss the feel of vintage paper and being surrounded by books.    *Coronavirus Disease 2019: Update in Maryland- 11/29/2020 196,447 confirmed cases  4,625 deaths   8,607 recovered Update in New York State - 11/29/2020 641,161 confirmed cases  34,561 deaths    85,287 recovered Total in United States: 13,376,113 confirmed cases, 266,838 deaths Total Worldwide: 62,670,153 confirmed cases, 1,458,360 deaths * All numbers are taken from Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center

 During the pandemic I completed my first book of poetry, RED . Growing up in the Queensbridge  housing projects exposed me to the good, the bad, the beautiful, the ugly, the sane, and the insane.  And, I wrote about it all.    *Coronavirus Disease 2019: Update in Maryland- 11/17/2020 169,805 confirmed cases  4,335 deaths   8,380 recovered Update in New York State - 11/17/2020 568,778 confirmed cases  34,076 deaths    81,908 recovered Total in United States: 11,340,563 confirmed cases, 248,429 deaths Total Worldwide: 55,547,836 confirmed cases, 1,336,670 deaths * All numbers are taken from Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center

And having climbed the steep-up heavenly hill, Resembling strong youth in his middle age, Yet mortal looks adore his beauty still, Attending on his golden pilgrimage.        ~ Shakespeare *Coronavirus Disease 2019: Update in Maryland- 11/06/2020 151,505 confirmed cases  4,194 deaths   8,255 recovered Update in New York State - 11/06/2020 518,812 confirmed cases  33,657 deaths    80,225recovered Total in United States: 9,623,471 confirmed cases, 235,056 deaths Total Worldwide: 48,885,919 confirmed cases, 1,236,707 deaths * All numbers are taken from Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center