Inspired by the French expression “Jolie-laide,” the inherent contradiction of attraction-repulsion - literally “pretty-ugly” - this poet finds the phrase seductive, “a wonderful quirkiness implying charisma.” The selections reflect both seduction and ambiguity, love won and lost, regretted:

“Wake up and sip the hemlock…
dull the pain and accept love’s demise.

Spread your wings, bare your heart
Teach me a sorely needed lesson.” (“Redeemed and Justified?”)

“Used up and damaged, worthless;
she has naught to bring him. Yet,
he’s offered more than he deserves.” (“Tempered Anguish”)

“Yet being strong is not enough
when my heart opens without pause;
for as the notion of reality invades
my dreams, I’m left numbly wide awake.” (“Bel Hevi”)