Dedicated to those suffering from mental illness: “I am not Sylvia Plath,” I told the professor who sat across from me. His wire-framed, circular glasses slid down his long nose. “Tell us what the hospital is like,” he said. I didn’t want to do that. My visit with him was the only chance I got to leave the hospital. I am not Sylvia Plath. I am here. I am alive.
Each line, each page is a separate pathway into Sherri Levine’s I Remember Not Sleeping. Some are straight or with curves you can’t see beyond, and some are for just listening for the particular sound of the particular footstep. Accompanied by beautiful illustrations by Moises Camacho, Levine’s poem intrigues and pulls the reader into a strange and fragile state of mind.
Jason Renaud, Director, Mental Health Association of Portland
I am thrilled to recommend Sherri Levine’s new collection of poetry. Through raw emotion and masterful use of language, she transforms private struggles into art that will resonate with readers. Sherri’s passionate devotion to her craft is inspiring. I know readers will find solace, empowerment, and joy in these poems. It has been a gift to know Sherri and witness her talents over the years. Discover her work-it will stay with you.
Kevin Fitts, Executive Director, Oregon Mental Health Consumers Association
In Sherri Levine’s I Remember Not Sleeping, time and space collapses like a star. You can hear the poet receiving transmissions from Joe Brainard, from the gray walls of an institution, from her own soul, and in straightforward, lyric verse transmitting what she hears onto us. This poem is good company for anyone who has struggled with mental health, for anyone who has felt alone, for anyone being bounced around in the sea of life. Which is to say, it’s a poem for all of us.
Matthew Dickman, Author of Husbandry
In Sherri Levine’s remarkable book, she uses words and images to illuminate the mystery, the pain, the desperate loneliness involved in mental illness. The artwork paired with almost every stanza moves the viewer and compels an emotional reaction. A tour de force.
Pattie Palmer-Baker, Portland artist and poet
Sherri Levine
is an artist and poet living in Portland, Oregon. She won the Lois Cranston Memorial Award and first place in the Oregon Poetry Association contest. Her poems have been published in local and national journals. She created Head for the Hills, a monthly poetry series. Originally from upstate New York, she escaped the harsh winters and is now soaking in the Oregon rain.
Moises Camacho
was born in Mexico City and has lived in California since 2000. His traditional training allows him to create illustrations with classic media, watercolor, acrylic, and oil. Since 2009 he has directed the Orange County Fine Art Studio where he creates large format visual projects and murals in the city of Santa Ana, California, where there are more than seventeen public projects.