Sparse Rain by Roy Zarucchi (1990)

Sparse Rain

Roy Zarucchi

Pygmy Forest Press

Albion, CA

(c)1990

I got this one because I had never heard of this poet before and doing some research prior to the arrival of the book gave me some insight. But, wait, Pygmy Forest Press...... that is Leonard Cirino's press. Oh, he passed in 2012. I did not know that. He and I had a feisty exchange of views concerning the Beat Generation. He blamed the Beats for his life (choices) as I remember it. And yet I am hearing traces of Kerouac in a few of the poems in this collection by Roy Zarucchi. His phraseology in a few of the poems are right out of the Kerouac language universe. 

This collection is NOT a Beat generation infused chapbook, but it does hint at it. It's a cross section of the writings by this gentleman, a man who had a remarkable and interesting life. I learn of his background from the obit shown below: 

Roy Zarucchi Obituary

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M - ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Roy Zarucchi passed away suddenly June 29, 2011, at his home. He was born June 9, 1939, in Oakland, Calif. 

Roy retired after 20 years in the Air Force and taught college. During his distinguished career he was an Air Force commando, served in the Vietnam War and spent five years at the Pentagon. He graduated from St. Mary's College, Berkeley, Calif., and received a master's degree at Central Michigan University. In addition to being a skilled potter, he was a published poet. He and Carolyn were essayists with Maine Public Radio and joint published authors. Roy and Cal operated Nightshade Press and edited Potato Eyes Literary Arts Journal for 12 years. They left Albuquerque, N.M., to return to coastal Maine, but were pulled back to the climate and friendships they had made in New Mexico. His hobbies included swimming, gardening, throwing pots and European travel.

Chapbooks 30

Poems From Some Latins
Leonard Cirino
Poetic Page
Madison Heights, MI
©1992


Sometime in 2008 I found a lot of chapbooks by unknown (to me) poets including Leonard Cirino. It was a lot of 3 chapbooks; 2 by Cirino and another which has been used in a book decomposition arts project. One of the two by Cirino was this 1992 handsome chapbook published by Poetic Page with cover illustration by Eduardo Smisson. 20 pages. Cirino has nearly 20 books out now, this was among the earlier ones. Very good indeed.


The Truth is not Real
Leonard Cirino
Adastra Press
Easthampton, MA
©2006

This small (6 1/2” X 3 3/4”) booklet is a single poem, beautifully presented letterpress printed chapbook. Fully illustrated. Unnumbered pages. This tiny book is a serious gem – look for it. If any books by Adastra Press are as handsome as this, buy them as well! This is near perfection of the art form. Highly recommended.



Swedish Music
Bo Alander
The Swedish Institute
Stockholm, Sweden
©1956

This finely made chapbook is actually taken from a larger manuscript by Paul Britten-Austin. Complete with photos, including an image of Jenny Lind who was remarkably well known in the United States during the Nineteenth century. 48 pages. Printed in Sweden. Very informative. For those interested in Swedish music, this is a keeper.

Watching Sparrows
Ronald Baatz
Kamini Press
Stockholm, Sweden
©2009

Another compact chapbook from Kamini Press with cover image by Henry Denander and it’s just wonderful . The copy I received is a bit of a tease for a big book coming out later this year called “Bird Effort”. Look forward to that. I like what Mr. Denander is doing with his little press.

The Geology of the South Unit
Theodore Roosevelt
National Memorial Park
Wilson Laird
Theodore Roosevelt Nature and History Association
Medora, North Dakota
©1956

This short chapbook with the long title comes as a reprint to a 1950 piece published in the North Dakota History journal. 19 pages. Stuffed full of photos, maps, and charts on the Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park. Written by Wilson Laird who served as State Geologist. Interesting bit of history and geology.