By April's Kiss

By April’s Kiss captures the classic poetic hero—the journeyman—as he continually searches for the elusive place we call “home.” David Di Paolo takes the reader along his own path of discovery, leading right up to the edge of darkness and back again. By April’s Kiss draws upon Di Paolo’s experiences of illness and loss with great wisdom and care, examining the essence of life once all the layers of the world are stripped away. With poetry, photography by Di Paolo, and the addition of artwork from Diane Frossard, By April’s Kiss is sure to become a staple in every reader’s library.

“In By April’s Kiss, a book of poetry by David DiPaolo, we are presented with an array of poems that strike one at first descriptively, through solid and vivid image, and then emotionally, as the core of the poem becomes clear and resonates clearly through the reader…. The poetry here is informal, a kind of free verse, and it does this well – employing a slippery veer and jumping logic that is responsive to the shifting intuitions and insights of human consciousness as it sets to work on a problem or situation…. The overall design of the book is professional with crisp and sharp photographs sprinkled throughout and lush painted images inserted as well. The cover image for the book is quiet and serene, signaling to the reader about the importance of introspection and reflection on the poetic journey.”

—Judge, 25th Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards

The poems are memorable, the photos and artwork thematically appropriate, "By April's Kiss" is an inherently engaging read from cover to cover. One of those rare volumes of poetry that will linger in the mind long after the book itself is finished and set back upon the shelf, "By April's Kiss" is unreservedly recommended for personal, community, and academic library collection. 'Let Me Not Be Vexed': A hand not taken. / A smile not reciprocated. / An embrace not partaken. / A Kiss not requited. / A moment not shared. / Let these things be the markers of what should vex me.
—Midwest Book Review