POCKETS

Description

A pocketful of poems, each with a story and a pocket—

“In Pockets, Shawn Aveningo Sanders’ beautiful new volume of poetry, we find ourselves rich with poems, with stories, with true treasures to fill the heart and mind. In this generous book, pockets become more than metaphors; they become concrete ways of carrying into our days what we most need:  love, imagination, connection, hope. Take this book into the world with you—carry it in your coat, your bag, your car. You will find comfort whenever you open it. This kind and loving book asks, Could a poem help make your day a little better? The answer is a grateful, resounding Yes!”
—Annie Lighthart, author of PAX

“When Shawn Aveningo Sanders says, I want to be the poet who moves / the stranger in the back of the room,/ who just came in for a cup of coffee / to get in from out of the cold, we hear a voice that is tender and wise. Her stunning poems about her father, son, granddaughter, and other worlds she inhabits warm us. We’ll want to tuck them in our pockets.”
—Carolyn Martin, Ph.D., author of Splitting Open the World

A Sample Poem

Labels

Have you ever noticed the women
who linger in the canned food aisle? How
they stand there in their comfortable shoes,
wearing a modest shade of pink lipstick to
perk up an exhausted smile, scrutinizing and
scanning each label: cans of creamed corn,
stewed tomatoes, garbanzo beans, and soup.
Is it the calories? Allergies? Price?

After weeks in the ICU, he is finally coming home.
I pore over every prescription protocol; key in
each doctor’s number into my phone; make copies
of his Patient Implant Card to tuck into my wallet.
I buy one of those easy-to-read neon pill caddies,
so he never misses a dose from the armada of pills
fighting for his failing heart.

I scan a list from my pocket. How long have I
been standing here holding this can, reading
this label? I get it now—what it means to join
the sorority of salt-seekers. Our faithful mission:
rooting out sodium dangers at every possible turn.
I understand these tedious, loving acts
and the monumental task to save the hearts
that beat in unison with our own.

Enjoy a Video from My Virtual Book Launch

Shawn Reads with Fellow Press Mate, Marie Marchand for the MoonPath Press Book Launch on Sept 21, 2025