Of Llamas and Piranhas

Though the poems in this book take the reader on a South American journey from Chile to the Galapagos, it is not just another travel book. It’s a personal invitation in the form of a poem a day to join the writer in strange and exotic places. The spectacular beauty of cascading water at the Iguassu Falls, a weather-beaten face in a Peruvian marketplace, the roasted guinea pig on the Last Supper table in Cusco Cathedral’s altar picture – these were among the triggers for the daily poem. Of Llamas and Piranhas is an individual record of moments that became memories. ‘Valerie Volk has an eye for the fine detail. The quirky insight is something her poet’s eye latches on to and the result is poetry that is dazzling in its attention to the complexities of human nature and of nature itself. Volk delves into these complexities and uses them to craft fine poetry that lingers long after the book is closed.’ – Antonia Hildebrand (Editor, Polestar Writers’ Journal) ‘Valerie Volk’s collection of poetic postcards from Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador and The Galapagos is a literary record of her tour of South America. It’s also more. These poems will spark an interest whether you’ve visited this beguiling continent or not!’ – Rob Walker (poet and critic) ‘In Of Llamas and Piranhas Volk walks us through the jungles of the Amazon, the ruins of Machu Picchu, the crowded streets of Buenos Aires and the churches of Santiago with the alacrity, concision and passion that can only be experienced through the eyes of the poet.’ – Mark Worthing (author and editor)