Downey poet to read work

DOWNEY - Local poet Trista Dominqu will read from her new book, "The Beauty of Muttliness," at this month's Poetry Matters on Thursday, Jan. 9, at Stay Gallery.Doors open at 7 p.m. and an open mic begins at 7:30. All ages are welcome. Dominqu was born and raised in Southern California, and continues to live in Downey. Married and a mother of three, she has regularly appeared at events throughout the area, including State of the Art in Downey, the La Puente Art Walk, Poetry Palooza, and the monthly Poetry Matters readings at the Rives Mansion, Epic Lounge and now at Stay Gallery. Dominqu's poetry has been warmly received. Noted Long Beach poet Clifton Snider writes that her book "...explores and celebrates a rich and varied heritage that includes Irish, Hispanic, Jewish and Native American roots...in defiance and pride, never in apology - exhibiting a wealth of curiosity and intelligence that reflects the abundance that is so American..." In the opening poem, "Pie Chart," Dominqu writes: I will stitch a quilt / made from all my grandmothers / memories, / call it skin, / and walk in it / daily." In "Left Over Orchard Days," she explores the childhood memories of the current young adult generation: "These trees, leftovers from the city's / orchard days, were our summer / snacks when cabinets were bare. / How spoiled we were, eating money / that grew from trees, never knowing / how rich we really were."

********** Published: Jan. 2, 2014 - Volume 12 - Issue 38