Dos Madres Press Author Testimonials

From Owen Lewis, New York City

For Robert and Elizabeth—

Bless you both. 

Over the years, I’ve given you six manuscripts, and you’ve given me back six book. Each and every time, you’ve give me that amazing first moment of holding the book, imagined, scribbled, typed, worked on, edited and re-edited, and now a beautiful book, each with an astounding cover that elicits again and again --- who did that cover!

When you accepted my first book, I came out to Cincinnati, to Loveland--and that isn’t a name in a book of poetry—to meet you.  I had to meet this marvelous man who said YES to “Sometimes Full of Daylight.” I met Elizabeth, your wonderful wolfhounds, a heifer in the barn, a walk to the creek. I took all this in, and your presence has sustained me.

What you’ve given me, beyond these wonderfully produced book is a profound trust in my own writing. Knowing that when once I had put the effort into the writing, a book would be in the offering, has sustained my creativity. You’ve trusted me, and I’ve trusted myself, and my writing has flowed with your ever-present welcome waiting at the other end.

How can I thank you for this? I am so sorry not to be able to be with you tonight to speak in person, to hug you each. You have both been central to my writing life for almost fifteen years.  Thank you for this, and bless you.

 

From Henry Weinfield, New York City

Dos Madres is not just a publisher; it is a cherished space where poet and publisher meet alongside other poets as friends. I am forever grateful to Robert and Elizabeth for making it all happen.

Here are the last two lines of "M" from my last collection, An Alphabet, which Robert and Elizabeth published in 2022 (it is my sixth book with Dos Madres):

“M is for Robert Murphy, a poet poets bless,
Who, with his wife Elizabeth, publishes Dos Madres Press.”

 

From Stephen Williams, Chicago

Congratulations to Robert and Elizabeth on twenty years of Dos Madres. Without their efforts and those of other small press publishers, poetry simply would not exist in America.

 

From R. Solonche, Blooming Grove, NY

Dos Madres has published seven of my books. Robert and Elizabeth must certainly know something I don't.

 

From David Giannini, Becket, MA

A Little of My History with Dos Madres Press

I had become friends with the poet, writer, and psychotherapist, Paul Pines. By early October, 2016, Paul had written to Robert Murphy, Executive Editor at Dos Madres Press (which had published some of Paul’s books) inpraise of my work as a poet, and by October 11 I received a generous email from Robert Murphy inviting me to submit a manuscript to Dos Madres. I had had many books published before, but that manuscript became my first book published by Elizabeth and Robert Murphy: Faces Somewhere Wild (cover via Elizabeth) with Paul Pines supplying a large blurb filling the back cover. It was published in 2017. I already felt I was within a generous community. Since 2017, I have published six full-length books with Dos Madres, and each time it has been a sustaining pleasure, indeed a loving relationship, to work with Robert and Elizabeth. It has also been a pleasure to have “passed the word” to Robert about other poets deserving publication, several of whom have now published their own good books with Dos Madres. Each of those poets lives where I live, in Massachusetts, so there’s a regional as well as universal feel to all our works, wherein lyric poetry is not only alive, but thriving. I love Robert and Elizabeth Murphy for being the people they are, for their nonprofit position, their utter dedication to publishing poetry that might never have been published anywhere else. They believe what a line from my new book, Stones Are The First To Rise, states in a sort of “letter poem” in our sordid human world: “Who doesn’t find poetry never truly overcomes despair.” Congratulations, Robert and Beth, on 20+ years of publishing Dos Madres Press books!

Much Love, Always

 

From John Bradley, DeKalb, Illinois

Where would we be without Dos Madres?  In a literary world where it’s more and more difficult to publish poetry, especially non-conventional poetry, Dos Madres finds a way. I am deeply grateful for the press's support of my work over the years.  I'm in awe of the number of fine poets they embrace, and the wide range of poetry they publish, always with such gorgeous books.  Bravo to Robert an Elizabeth and everyone at the press!

 

From Joel Bettridge, Portland, OR

Publishing with Dos Madres has been the most wonderful of gifts. It is that rare press that connects a group of poets across states and regions who share similar concerns; publishing with Dos Madres has put me in touch with other poets I might not have had the opportunity to get to know and it has also brought me into conversation with poets I have admired more from a distance. In that sense, I would say Dos Madres has a perspective without being ideological, and joining the community that composes that vision has been important to my work as a poet. I would only add that working with Robert and Elizabeth Murphy has been humbling; that their love of poetry has manifested in a deep commitment to other poets’ writing is a model for making a life in art and poetry that I greatly admire and appreciate. 

 

From Eileen R. Tabios, Saint Helena, CA

Much of my work can only fit a press whose aesthetics remain open to the wide variety that make up our shared universe. I am happy that I found such a partner in Dos Madres Press. Under the kind, generous, but ever stringent guidance of Robert and Elizabeth Murphy, my books have blossomed both editorially and visually. I shall be indebted always to this wonderful press!

 

From Alan Catlin, Schenectady, NY

Working with Robert and Elziabeth has been the most rewarding author/publisher relationships during my long career publishing poetry, fiction, reviews and assorted stuff. Several other presses were professional, diligent, scrupulous and other were not, but none were more personal while fitting all the other positive descriptions of book and magazine publishers.  I first came to the press reading the exquisite books by my late friend, Paul Pines, whose books were works of art as well as finely honed poetry. My poet friend Stu Bartow also sang the praises of Dos Madres and I finally was persuaded to send a book manuscript to Dos Madres by Mary Kathyrn Jablonski, another Dos Madres poet. I am proud to be associated with such fine poets and with the host publishers, The Murphys.

 

From Ken Autrey, Auburn, AL

I am a retiree living in Auburn, AL, where I have helped coordinate the Third Thursday Poetry Series since 2013. Having taught university poetry workshops during my teaching career, I now teach poetry writing as a volunteer in the Auburn University Lifelong Learning Program, designed particularly for retirees like me. Having published several chapbooks, I submitted my first full-length book manuscript (Circulation) to Dos Madres. I was pleased to hear from Robert Murphy that he was interested in publishing my work, and I was delighted with Elizabeth's design of the book and the efficiency with which they proceeded. They have agreed to publish another book (Vocation), and I am deeply grateful for their ongoing interest in my poetry. Their work and professionalism is a wonderful service to the cause of poetry in an age when we desperately need it.

 

From Roger Mitchell, Jay, NY

I was drawn to Dos Madres because it published a number of poets whose work I admired. The books themselves were also well made. Page design was crisp, covers were bright and imaginative, and the binding tight. Robert was also a careful editor who questioned anything he thought might need more clarity. I wish him and Elizabeth the best, hoping this celebration means they will continue making their fine books.

 

From Lucian Zell, Prague, Czech Republic

Dos Madres. Ah, these ‘two mothers’ boldly proffer their four breasts: Poetry, Passion, Perception, and Purpose. And the milk of their pages gushes forth and nourishes a growing world.

 

From Sherry Kearns, Cleverdale, NY

Here in the upstate NY area near Lake George, Dos Madres Press has published three authors I know of, myself included. We are Paul Pines...an author of some renown whose whole life was deeply invested in the arts..., Stuart Bartow ...an accomplished writer and English professor at SUNY ADK..., and Sherry Kearns...baker at a local cafe who's been involved in verse since high school. A disparate grouping, but each of us was a friend of William Bronk who was Robert’s friend as well, and through whom we became friends/acquaintances of each other. What good goes around has come around through the Murphys’ attainments via Dos Madres. We salute you, Robert and Elizabeth with much affection and gratitude. As Bill said, “It's about the work.”

 

From Keith Holyoak, Los Angeles, CA

I suppose I must represent the western edge of the Dos Madres crew, as I live and write in LA. Like many others, I owe Robert and Elizabeth an immense debt of gratitude for giving me the chance to present my poetry in the beautiful volumes for which Dos Madres is rightly admired. Unlike everyone else (I hope!), I owe a further debt to them in the aftermath of a personal disaster. My family’s house burned down in the recent Palisades fires, taking with it pretty much all of my book collection, including the ones I wrote. To my great relief, Robert had a stash of my Dos Madres books stored away, and promptly mailed me some copies. To open my own poetry books again feels like a piece of my former life has been restored. Gracias, mis amigos viejos de Dos Madres!

 

From Eric Hoffman, Vernon, CT

I remember why, not so much when or how, my relationship with Dos Madres Press began, more pointedly the—dare I say loving?—attentiveness and care with which they conduct their business. 

It is odd to call small press publishing, particularly poetry, a business; odder still that Robert and Elizabeth (such is my familiarity with them, in spirit and in solidarity with these most solitary of pursuits of writing, publishing) can conduct themselves so capably and—no other word for it—professionally,with such intrinsic warmth, particularly when professionalism often denotes coldness.

Robert and Elizabeth perfected this fine art, so defined, over these past two decades. What a rare pleasure to experience in real time this gradual accretion of superb literature, this crystallization that reflects the ordered arrangements of its composition. Among its many voices, I am honored to be counted as one. 

Congratulations, Robert and Elizabeth.

 

From Larry Laurence, Seattle, WA

A wonderful press—brave, unafraid to take chances! Flawless productions!

 

From Rachel Kaufman, Los Angeles, CA

As a poet and historian, I found an early home for my interwoven work in the thoughtful hands of Robert and Elizabeth. Their dedication and care created a beautiful book—heavy in the hands, artwork woven throughout, and meticulously printed. I'm sending my warmest greetings from Los Angeles to Dos Madres and to the Dos Madres poets on this wonderful anniversary—to many more years!

 

From Burt Kimmelman, Maplewood, NJ

Robert and Elizabeth Murphy are the best parents I could ever have had—no, wait, what I mean to say is that Robert and Elizabeth Murphy are the best siblings one could have ever hoped for. (Oh, well, something like this anyway.) The thing about being accepted into the embraces of the Dos Madres family is how high off the ground I'd find myself walking after an email or a phone call. (Robert’s emails, beautiful, endearing, also works of art, will, I hope, end up in an archive for future poets, writers and scholars to commune with.) 

The love and care the Murphys have offered so many poets, and the professional expertise, the artistry, were legion amongst fellow poets. Aside from the historic significance of the Dos Madres list, among those of us who shared the blessing of being in the Murphys' care, the stories of their loving attention and support would be shared with zeal. The Murphys,  poet and artist, have my unceasing gratitude and admiration. How lovely to be celebrating their twenty-year run as editors, designers and publishers who have made a difference in the American conversation. I am honored to have thrived in their care.

 

From Hank Lazer, Tuscaloosa, AL

Has anyone had a sweeter, kinder, more considerate experience publishing a book of poetry than the interaction one has with Robert and Elizabeth?  Grace, humility, insight, encouragement, professionalism, honest & timely scheduling are a few of the words that come to mind when I think about my working relationship with Robert & Elizabeth.  When Robert signs an email “blessings in abundance,” I have learned over the years that he really means it.  In my Buddhist practice, there are three noble treasures: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha (the latter being community).  Robert, through his manner of support, creates that deeply valued sense of community.  I am grateful to him for engendering that valued sense of kinship and understanding.

I have had the privilege of publishing two books with Dos Madres Press: Slowly Becoming Awake (N32) [2019] and When the Time Comes (2022).  I’m not sure that another press would have proceeded with Slowly Becoming Awake – the oversized format, the six-color shape-writing.  What’s most remarkable about that book is what Robert, very gently, persuaded me to do: include typed transcriptions for all the shape-writing poems.  I developed and worked with shape-writing – poems written in abstract shapes without drafts (i.e., a kind of improvisation akin to calligraphy and free jazz) – for thirteen years.  I had already published several books of shape-writing, and none of them included transcriptions, my (strident, dogmatic?) thinking being that “the whole point” of shape-writing was to change the reader’s relationship to the poem, the page, and reading.

When Robert asked me to consider doing transcriptions, I would normally have replied quickly with a NO.  But I was packing to go to the Berkeley Zen Center to learn how to sew in order to make my rakusu (as part of the Zen ceremony of jukai, lay ordination).  I did not reply to Robert until after I had spent a few days learning the intricacies of sewing the rakusu.  Somehow, that meditative sewing practice led me to wonder if it wouldn’t be interesting to write transcriptions.  David Antin’s talk-poems came to mind, and I began to think of the transcriptions as fresh performances of the shape-writing poems.

I bow with thanks to Robert for his gentle nudge which helped to create a beautiful book.  Made doubly so by careful attention to all aspects of the book from Elizabeth, until we got the page size, the cover, and the six ink colors right.

My deepest gratitude for Dos Madres Press, for your friendship (though we have never met in person!), for your generous and generative spirit.

 

From John Tripoulas, Athens, Greece

Sometimes you hit the lotto. In my case, as an Ohio born American-Greek poet whose themes pertain mostly to the Greek world, my lucky day came when Robert Murphy, a Philhellene and Ohio publisher, liked my poems and generously offered to publish them.

But readers everywhere are lucky winners thanks to the outstanding titles midwifed into the world of letters by Robert and Elizabeth Murphy and published by Dos Madres Press.

Even before they’ve read a line of my poetry readers first compliment Elizabeth’s excellent book design. You can’t judge a book by its cover, but everyone knows that first impressions count. That Elizabeth would devote so much of her time and talent to the beautiful presentation of each Dos Madres publication only begins to indicate the nurturing care that’s offered to each book published by the Press.

Robert and I have become friends. It’s no small thing that the publisher of the poems you’ve toiled over has offered you his friendship. I’m sure that Robert and Elizabeth have befriended all the Dos Madres authors.

Best wishes to the entire Dos Madres staff. Many thanks for the hard work that goes into each of the books that they publish. Congratulations on the Press’s 20 years of longevity. May there be many more. And may all their published titles voyage long and well.

 

From George Kalamaras, Livermore, CO

I am truly honored to be among the authors of Dos Madres Press. Robert and Elizabeth Murphy are a pure delight to work with—not only in their professionalism and sense of purpose but also in their kindness and largeness of heart. I have felt cared for by them on many levels—from the poetic to the personal. And it's a delight to be in the (albeit virtual) presence of two people who have devoted their lives to the vocations of poetry and the making of fine books—two people who have tirelessly given their lives to what Gary Snyder might call “the real work.” They have published many fine authors and have done so with the generous spirit of including a variety of voices. Sustaining the press, as they have, for twenty years is no easy feat and is quite remarkable, really. But they have done so with their characteristic grace and ease. Kudos to you, Robert and Elizabeth, on this special anniversary, and much gratitude for all you do and ARE. I am so honored to know you through the extraordinary work you do! And my heart is overflowing with thanks and awe!

 

From Eliot Cardenaux, Northampton, MA

Robert and Elizabeth at Dos Madres are a wonder to work with. Patient, with every attention to detail needed to make a book. When I started my own imprint, The Bodily Press, Dos Madres was a sure model, not only of how to handle the business, design, and publishing elements of running a press, which both Robert and Elizabeth handled with grace on my first book On the Long Blue Night (Dos Madres, 2023), but interpersonally as well. My interactions with Robert have always been warm, marked by a gentle touch and sincere affect. I thank them both so much for what they have given to poetry despite a world that is often cruel towards independent outlets like our own. Brava! Bravo!