Dennis Herrell

Dennis Herrell believes we live in a world of altered states—whether it be physical, mental, or emotional. It is not static or one-dimensional. Dennis did not enter life in a safe hospital room. Instead, he was born in the upstairs bedroom of his grandparents’ country home during a winter night in Michigan. Dennis was born into this world, and he is going to say something about it—happy or sad, funny or mad, humorous or serious. That mysterious thing that makes us individual and human, not just part of the landscape of rock and fauna and flora. Life is made up of more small things than big. Be born, reproduce, die. Fill in the spaces with good food, good friends, good humor, good books, and, in his place—poetry, hopefully good.

He believes his notion or imagining of his having a possible alter ego began in an 8x28 foot house trailer that was his home for a large part of his early years. In real life, Dennis has been a son, brother, soldier,

student, husband, father, teacher, salesman, antique dealer. But he has almost always lived an alternate life as a dreamer and poet. No asking permission. No reports. No excuses. No limits. No regrets.

His readers might find a dash of irony or humor, a bit of psychology or philosophy, or a twist of structure and phrasing that is all Dennis. All in all, poetry that is enjoyable and worth their time—not something that makes them wince, scratch their heads, and wonder what the damn poem actually means. Hopefully, his joy and dedication to writing will carry over to his readers.

Dennis lives in Texas, a big, diverse land of desert, mountains, hills and valleys, meadows, prairies, rivers, lakes, and salt water bays and beaches. He calls the almost sub-tropical city of Houston his home. He loves his 1920's bungalow in the old historical Heights district of Houston, and finds that it is the perfect setting for putting his ideas into poetry.

Previous books:

About Women

Hanging Out the Wash

Orphan Haiku

Peering Around the Corner

Writing My Dictionary