The Devouring Land

by Patrick Cabello Hansel

Poems of immigration, struggle and love in the city, the gift of water

102 pages, Paperback

First published March 12, 2019

About the author

I am a poet, novelist, essayist and retired pastor, having served in inner city communities for over 40 years. I love teaching creative writing, working for justice, creating art, nature and laughing.

Reviews

[Anne Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Devouring Land was my first introduction to Patrick Hansel's poetry, and I was hooked from the start. His compassion and unflinching eye combine in these compelling narratives to bring you in and in. Many of the poems are about immigrants and refugees seeking a better life, and the terrible risks they must run to work en "el Norte." Because of his years of service in that community, he brings a realism and intimacy to the reader that stay long after you put the book down. You will find yourself picking it back up to savor the clear, earthy language that gets right down to the bone of whatever he's writing about.

[Patrick Hansel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of course I love this book--I wrote it! Seriously, a lot of the narrative poems in this were inspired by people I have known and served with, whose faith and creativity outstrips my own.