Embers of Exile

By Francis Mateo

Welcome to the labyrinth of Embers of Exile. Much like Philoctetes, marooned on an island foot up, crying foul play, and wrestling with isolation, the poems delve into the pervasive

solitude and uncertainty entrenched in transnationalism and urban life. In the wounded hero Philoctetes, one can discern echoes of the disenfranchised, the forgotten, the solitude of the

masses, and the marginalized denizens of the city. These verses aspire to encapsulate these spirits. Against the backdrop of a city that serves as both a labyrinth and canvas are

the wounded hero and the collective heartbeat of the city.

Born in the Dominican Republic, Francis is a writer and multidisciplinary artist whose work moves fluidly between poetry, short fiction, vignettes, and photography books written in both English and Spanish. His published works include Ubre Urbe, El Alto, TropicalYork, and Sacarle P talos al Pavimento, books that have garnered international recognition for their lyrical exploration of memory, migration, and urban life. Holding a B.A. in English Literature and an M.F.A. in Acting, Francis extends his artistic practice beyond the written page, remaining actively engaged in theatre and captivating audiences through performance. His work also finds its way into classrooms, where it invites readers to reflect on language, identity, and the textures of contemporary experience.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0H8514DZF
• ISBN13: 9798234127792
• Release Date: July 2026
• Publisher: Get Fresh Books Publishing, a Nonprofit Corp
• Length: 136 Pages
• Weight: 0.42 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.0" x 9.0"