The Crossed-Out Swastika

By Cyrus Cassells and Cleo Qian

"Cassells is a passionate poet whose poems touch the core of human connection through which can flow union with the infinite. Highly recommended."--Library Journal

Cyrus Cassells' fifth book commemorates the blazing integrity of young people caught in the vise of World War II. In its journey through the "anti-miracle" of Europe's embattled past, The Crossed-Out Swastika follows the lives of historical and semi-fictional characters to unearth and amplify moments of almost impossible music, bravery, beauty, and redemption, illuminating the human spirit against unspeakable tyranny.

Poet, from cellar to cellar, I remember
I held onto, of all things,

a picture book about a magical goat,
inscribed by my witty father:

This storybook belongs
to Mademoiselle Sabine

the way Paris once belonged
to Marie Antoinette--

Somehow having that book
helped me to endure . . .

Cyrus Cassells grew up in the Mojave Desert. He graduated from Stanford University and has worked as a translator, film critic, and actor; he currently teaches poetry in the MFA program at Texas State University-San Marcos. He lives in Austin, Texas.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1556593791
• ISBN13: 9781556593796
• Release Date: May 2012
• Publisher: Copper Canyon Press
• Length: 120 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.4" x 8.8"