I am happy to announce the release of a new publication by poet & writer Suzi Kaplan Olmsted. Her collection of work entitled “Institutional Wallet” is a personal collection of poems that brings the readers to her level– a world as seen through the eyes of a sensitive,  yet anxious woman and a glimpse into life in and out of rehabilitation wards, reminiscence about medications. One of my favorites in this collection is the brief yet touching “Hospital Poem.” Which is complimented by other poems of longing, and poems of youthful curiosity. Poems like “Cassandra, My Favorite Rehab Roommate” and “Every Weekend they Run in a Marathon” are musings in the daily life reflections on Oprah shows and rehab acquaintances, all with a quiet humor, humility and disbelief. Also included in this collection are prose type poems which I think readers will find enjoyable if not somewhat engaging like one such piece entitled “You are going to pee eventually.” Consider this excerpt from the beginning:

“No matter the circumstances, you are going to pee eventually even if you have not reached an appropriate location. Control over the ability to choose when and where one pees is a pretty early marker of developmental progress.

 Suzi started pissing inappropriately at the funeral for her Aunt Frances, long after she had mastered the skill of urinary control. “

Read on, reader, read on for Suzi approaches the subject head-on with a deadly honesty. The book is poignant and a window into a world many do not share in. Reflections, routines, the daily life of an individual who thinks on different levels of humanity, a clarity amidst hazy stigmas, Suzi’s collection of writings is a radiant example of sacrifice and passion for poetry & documentive literature.  Suzi’s chap is 26 pages and will be available on July 21, 2009. Pre-order will be available on July 11, 2009 through our online store at artopium(dot)com.