2007 Best of the Net Anthology: A Literary Exploration

Introduction to Nancy A. Henry

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A literary tapestry woven with the threads of prose and poetry, the 2007 Best of the Net Anthology offers a rich collection of work from an array of talented poets and writers. Prominent among these is Nancy A. Henry, whose poetic expressions have graced the pages of numerous reputable journals both in print and digital form.

About Nancy A. Henry

Nancy A. Henry's lyrical prowess has leapt from the confines of over 200 publications spanning the globe, truly a testament to the universality and resonance of her craft. A guiding voice in the literary community, she contributes to the development of the arts as an Associate Editor of The Café Review and as an educator in English composition and literature at Southern Maine Community College.

The Masterpiece: "The Shadow Garden"

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Amongst the treasures found within the anthology, Henry's poem The Shadow Garden stands as a profound reflection of the human experience, laced with metaphor and emotion. It is a piece that invites readers into a world where the minutiae of natural existence blend with profound philosophical musing. Her poem is not only an aesthetic delight but also an intimate portrait of love and its multifaceted nature.

Exploring "The Shadow Garden"

Here is her entrance, lined with rich carnation silk, heart columbine.
This medicine has drugged her, reduced her mind to that of a snail.
A snail can sleep for three years, etch a fossilized silver trail of frozen tears.
She tastes his milk on her tongue.
Oh love, be sweet as violets, or vile as blood-lily while her legs tremble under her,
whisper—love, tremble not, tremble not—sleep again.

The Confluence of Travel and Poetry in "The Shadow Garden"

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Travel in its essence is a journey beyond the physical destinations; it's an exploration of self, much like the poetic voyages delineated by poets such as Nancy A. Henry. Her work, especially in The Shadow Garden, transports readers into a realm where the sensory aspects of travel—the sight of rich carnation silk, the taste of milk, the touch of quivering legs—are met with an internal pilgrimage. It's a journey where the path traversed is as much about self-discovery as it is about escaping into a world crafted from words.

Conclusion: A Journey’s End in Every Beginning

In the world of poetry, every conclusion begets a new adventure. The 2007 Best of the Net Anthology, with its captivating contributions from poetic luminaries like Nancy A. Henry, reminds us that the end of one poem is merely the entryway into the next experience. Much like travelers who gather tales and wisdom from every land they visit, readers carry with them the echoes of every stanza and the imprint of every emotion, longing to dive into the next literary expedition that awaits them in the pages to come.