Tough Cotton

Book excerpt: Presenting a new series of thoughts and experiences expressed in poetry, lyrics, and short stories, author Gordona Bloe (pronounced "bloo") offers a collection that is open, honest, and unfiltered. Bloe's writing focuses on seeking answers and exploring a wide range of emotions. It highlights her refusal to succumb to the disasters that would prevent her from reaching her true identity-Tough Cotton. "Earth" considers how life begins and moves forward. "Cotton Seeds" provides a voice to the youth-and perhaps others who have been found, lost, or even forgotten. "Bloeming" is a recognition of who Tough Cotton is becoming or choosing not to become. "Ginned" delves into the underworld of drugs and prison. "Storms and Thorns" reflects on the troubles of life, while "Wrinkled Sheets" are where passion, heat, and comfort exist. Intense and inspirational, this collection shares the raw experiences of life-love, chaos, anger, regret, acceptance-with a stirring and unflinching voice.