I am happy to announce the publication of my new book of poems, The First to Escape. It has been seven years since Mystique, my first book. However, changes in my writing occurred only when I began studying poetry with Jack Foley in 2011. Those of you who witness the change have found it “remarkable.” Those of you who think you know me (and my writing) might scratch your head when you read this one! The poems in The First to Escape actively explore new territories in language and expression. I invite you to partake the excitement with me.
Poet and musician Jake Berry made the following comment:
“The First to Escape is that rare volume of contemporary poetry that carries the weight of its ancient and modernist predecessors while remaining passionately engaged with its own time. Multicultural, multiethnic, yes, but intimate, not exotic, with openings into surprising and mysterious familiarity. “Brilliant darkness.” What Clara Hsu renders here is a deeply moving and masterfully articulated musical language – a poetry that draws us into a conversation beyond ourselves, beyond any closed idea of self. This is vital work by a fully realized poet.”
From Zhang Ziqing, Nanjing University, China:
As a Chinese, I’m certainly familiar with the lines taken from the classic Chinese poems, but I hadn’t expected her to mix them with her own lines, as in “Moving with Li Po.” It is a creative experiment.
The First to Escape is available on line at Amazon.com and at readings.
Book Readings:
Wednesday July 16 at 7pm
Sacred Grounds Cafe
Hayes Street (and Cole), San Francisco
I have invited Jack Foley, my mentor and co-publisher of Poetry Hotel Press to read with me. Reading begins at 7pm. Open mike before and after the feature.
Hosted by Dan Brady.
Sunday July 20, 5 to 7pm
Cafe Leila
1724 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley
The Music of the Word, La Palabra Musical is hosted by Avotcja. Featured readers are: Clara Hsu, Jack and Adelle Foley, and Michael Goldstein.
South Cal Debut:
San Francisco’s Wild History Groove & Reading
Friday August 15, 7:30 – 10pm
Beyond Baroque
681 Venice Blvd, Venice, CA
San Francisco’s Wild History Groove is the companion film to Mary Kerr’s Venice West & the LA Scene, screened earlier at Beyond Baroque. Refreshments at 7:30; program at 8. Poets Jack & Adelle Foley (participants in the documentary) and Clara Hsu will appear to introduce work from their exciting new press, Poetry Hotel Press.
