Hidden in Childhood – Full Cover Reveal and Preface

Anthology, bestselling author, Childhood, Gabriela Marie Milton, Literary Revelations, poem, poetry, Poetry Book, poetry collection 4 Minutes

I read your words and a thousand childhoods burrowed into my heart.

  • Gabriela Marie Milton

My Dear Readers

Thank you to everyone who submitted to Literary Revelations Publishing House’s collection Hidden in Childhood: A Poetry Anthology, due to be released late January. If anything changes, I will let you know.

I am thrilled to release the full cover of the anthology and the preface I wrote. I have tears in my eyes. Here is why.

I am beyond humbled by the number of submissions. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for entrusting me with your beautiful poetry. Most important you entrusted me with glimpses of your childhood. That honors me more than words can possibly express. I rarely talk about myself. Yet, last night after 14 hours of work I was listening to the winter knocking on my windows and thinking of your poems. A sentence inscribed itself into my soul. It will stay with me forever. I read your words and a thousand childhoods burrowed into my heart.

We are looking at a monumental work of poetry; a work of breathtaking beauty and substance. I included over 150 poets and around 280 poems. The Word file I will send for formatting tomorrow has 456 pages. I suspect after the formatting the anthology will have over 456 pages. Congratulations to everyone who was included.

I wrote a good number of rejection letters and I am not done yet. To those poets who were rejected: please do not get discouraged. I am honored by your submissions too and ready to collaborate with you in the future.

One other important thing I learned by reading your poems: this collection teaches the reader about childhood perhaps more than an academic treaty could do it.

————–

Hidden in Childhood: A Poetry Anthology – preface by Gabriela Marie Milton

If you open the pages of this poetry collection, you will be mesmerized by the talent of the contributors, and by the range of stylistic approaches they use to recreate the world of childhood.  It must be said from the beginning that this is not a poetry collection for children. The pages you will read memorialize the beauty and magic of childhood – remembrance of love and fairytales – as well as its ugliness – abuses, poverty – that unfortunately still exist in our world. Some of the authors of the poems included in this anthology were brave enough to talk about the pain they endured in childhood. I salute all contributors: those who tell the world that childhood is love, and those who still bear the wounds of a difficult childhood.

As the editor, curator, and publisher of this book, I am honored and humbled that so many poets entrusted me with their work. The poems I included in this anthology are stunners. They are magnificent in their wealth of emotions, and very diverse in style. It is the role of the editor to try – as much as she/he can- to stylistically unify the works included in poetry collections. To a certain extent, I decided against it. I allowed for English spelling, as well as for American spelling. I overlooked places where perhaps I would have used different words, in the interest of clarity. Why did I do it? Two reasons: (1) These breathtaking poems have their own energy, an energy that continuously echoes in one’s soul, and it sends shivers down the spine of the reader. There is a freshness about them, freshness in front of which the strive for better formulations ends up in patheticism. (2) Perfection is most of the time sterile. There are emblematic poets who sometimes consciously allowed for small degrees of clumsiness – here and there – in their poems in order to preserve the authenticity of the feelings. I hope I did that in this collection.  

The themes and archetypes the contributors use are very diverse. You will find the father as the protector and/or as the abuser, the figure of the mother as the nurturer and/or as the monster, the loss of siblings, the heavenly paradise of grandparents, the fight with disease, and the list can continue.     

To turn to a different idea, once Charles Baudelaire wrote, “The child sees everything in a state of newness… Nothing more resembles what we call inspiration than the delight with which a small child absorbs form and color.” No doubt, during childhood we are first and foremost the recipients of the sensory world.  

The academic literature on childhood – as well as our common understanding – frequently defines childhood as a period of our lives that precedes adulthood.  Whatever happens during our first years is formative and important to our becoming. However, we tend to dissociate childhood from maturity. Most people subscribe to the dichotomy of childhood/adulthood.

Indeed, the prima facie reading of the poems included in this anthology shows that the authors kept in mind the dichotomy of childhood/adulthood.

Yet, what strikes the reader during the second and/or third reading of these stunning poems is how present childhood is in the lives of the authors, now mature people.  For these poets, whether they know it or not, childhood is not a simple memory filled with joy or pain.  Childhood constitutes itself as an integral part of their poems, a part that continues to transform them as they write.

The strength of this poetry collection is the capacity of its authors to blur the line between childhood and adulthood. Whether the authors talk about joyful memories, or sadly abusive childhood, the effect is stunning. We do not know anymore where childhood stops, and adulthood starts.

Am I returning to Philippe Ariès and his Centuries of Childhood: A Social History of Family Life (1960), who put forward the idea – albeit controversial – that during medieval times childhood was not recognized as a distinct phase of human existence?

No. I am not. I merely claim that the idea of childhood is not as transient as authors such as Ray Bradbury claimed.

In many aspects, childhood never goes away. It stays with us forever.

This is what you will discover in this anthology, which contains the most beautiful, as well as the most heart-wrenching, verses one has ever read. And this is a phenomenal discovery.

Gabriela Marie Milton
author, editor, publisher

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Published by Gabriela Marie Milton

Gabriela Marie Milton #1 Amazon Best-Selling Author, 2019 Author of the Year at Spillwords Press NYC; internationally published poet; poetry collections Woman: Splendor and Sorrow (Vita Brevis Pres, July 27, 2021); Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings (Vita Brevis Press, April, 2020)

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178 thoughts on “Hidden in Childhood – Full Cover Reveal and Preface”

  2. Congratulations dearest Gabriela 😊💕🤗 I’m so happy to be a part in this beautiful poetic journey. Lots of love and best wishes 😊💓

    Reply

    1. Thank you hon. So happy to have you and everyone else in this poetic journey. Lots of love.
      xoxo

      Reply

    1. Thank you so much Bianca. Your support warms my heart. Have a beautiful 2023 hon, and thank you for being you.

      Reply

  5. Wow🙏🏽Beautiful introduction Gabriela, and very grateful to your mentorship. Thank you very much❣️

    Reply

    1. Thank you Jody. I am so glad you liked the introduction. Thank you too for everything. Huge hugs.
      xoxo

      Reply

  8. Such beautiful and insightful words! There are books that absolutely influence children and stay with them as adults. For me, it was the classic American and European novelists and poets. My daughter’s generation still gets giddy over R.L. Stine, the Goosebumps series, and children’s horror. Childhood is a part of us, whether we recognize it or not. I admire you, Gabriela, for your dedication and tireless work.

    Reply

    1. Dearest Dawn, thank you so much for sharing your beautiful insights. They mean a lot to me. Your poetry means a lot to me. I am grateful for you and your talent. Love
      Gabriela

      Reply

    1. Gracias Francisco and thank you for your beautiful words. I hope so.
      Enjoy the rest of your day.
      xo

      Reply

    1. Thank you so much my dearest. I am so glad you liked the cover and the preface. And glad to have you with us in this journey.
      xoxo

      Reply

  11. Such love, care, and devotion went into creating this beautiful bouquet of verses — and this is quite evident from your preface. Grateful to be a small part of this generous project. Thank you, Gabriela. [Following you on Twitter – – @Mae_Westside.]

    Reply

    1. Oh, thank you for your wonderful words and your beautiful poetry. I am so glad you are with us. I will follow back on Twitter. Meantime I need some help there as I released the cover and it’s hard to handle so many things at the same time. So any help is welcome. Thank you.
      xo

      Reply

  12. ‘In many aspects, childhood never goes away. It stays with us forever.’ Your line, Gabriela – I live it in some way every day. Your full cover, your preface, your words within this post – you astonish me, you always do, it’s a privilege to know a little of you and to be a part of this. That wind knocking on your window – it’s the breath of thanks from all of us my friend.

    Reply

    1. Eric, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your beautiful words. I am glad that phrase resonates with you. I feel the same. It’s a privilege to know you too, a little as you say, and to have you your beautiful poetry included in this anthology. That wind knocking on my window — what a superb metaphor. Very grateful to you Eric. xo

      Reply

  13. What a fantastic introduction, Gabriela. It so clearly establishes the reader’s expectations that this is not a poetry book for children. But it does capture the gamut of emotions from child-like wonderment through the nightmare of childhood abuse. All of which help inform who we are as adults. And I would argue they are all inextricably connected. So proud to be included in this project. Most importantly, wanted to thank YOU for your hard work in vetting and building this triumphant work of art. Cheers, my friend. ☘ ☘ ☘

    Reply

    1. Patrick, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your beautiful poetry. I am glad you liked the preface and I am deeply humbled by your words. Thank you for the praise, my friend. You touched my heart. Wishing you a gorgeous week ahead.
      xo Irish dance 🙂

      Reply

    1. My Dearest Annette. Thank you so much. I am happy I have your wonderful poetry. sending hugs your way.
      xoxo

      Reply

  19. Perfect words Gabriela. You’ve made me so happy by putting my poem in your book. I thought the secret of my childhood would die with me.
    Ann Parker

    Reply

    1. Oh, my dearest Ann, you brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing a part of your childhood with us. It’s really precious.
      Sending love.
      xoxo

      Reply

  20. Congratulations Gabriela on publishing this Anthology. I am truly honored to be part of this. I normally don’t join anthology publication but yours is an exception. Thank you for including my work.

    Reply

    1. It’s a pleasure to include your poetry Mich. Thank you so much for trusting me with your work. Love you hon.
      xoxo

      Reply

  21. I eagerly await this anthology. It sounds like a true contribution to literature and the soul of society. The many voices make us one. Thank you for all you do, Gabriela! For your love poured into this anthology.

    Reply

    1. Hi Barbara dear, thank you so much for your wonderful comment and your wonderful support and poetry. There is so much love in my heart for you and all contributors.

      Have a fabulous day hon
      xoxoxo

      Reply

  22. Mesmerizing intro that leads the soul to want more to read despite its beauty or ugliness. I’m sure many will resonate with the writings of poets who laced their words to write messages to the readers. Well done Gabriella. I’m sure the book will be a hit.

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much Joseph. I want the book to be a hit because I want people to read it. Its content is beyond precious. It’s artistic and it teaches us a lot about childhood.

      Reply

  23. Congratulations, dear Gabriela! Love both the full book cover reveal & preface, and I’m looking forward to the published anthology 🙂

    Reply

    1. Phil, thank you so much. Thank you for your poetry and your constant support. it means so much to me.

      Reply

  24. What a beautiful summation of such a work. Reading your words about your experience of reading these poems as well as your thoughts have brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for bringing this group of writers together. I know that reading similar or different experiences of the wounded who were in essence without childhood, has a healing aspect for people like myself. Thank you from the innermost, still healing, and forever growing part of my childless young years. My prayer is that this book will help many people who will find validation to the pain and sadness that still pops its head up when least expected. I am grateful for this beautiful book. Joni

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much dear Joni. I hope that this book may bring healing to some, perhaps encouragement to others. This is the reason I work to help others and this is one of my biggest satisfactions. Lots of blessings to you and thank you for your beautiful poetry, hon.
      xoxo

      Reply

  25. Oh Gabriela, reading your words totally transported me. You expressed yourself, so personally and yet universally and truly, I too was moved to tears reading this, The cover is wonderful, your words inspiring and I can’t tell you how proud I am to have a piece of my childhood, captured between these beautiful covers. Congratulations to all, but especially to you dear Gabriela for your vision, dedication and your hard work though out! ❤️🌹❤️

    Reply

    1. Such a beautiful and moving comment my dearest Karima. I am fortunate to have the work of so many fantastic writers. I am fortunate to have yours. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support and your wonderful poetry.
      Love you. enjoy your evening.
      xoxo.

      Reply

  27. Congratulations Gabriela!

    The cover is stunning and just as beautiful are your words that give your book the back bone and strength needed to be bound in safe keeping of the words of so many poets you are showcasing. What a gift to the world! I am truly honored to be one of them and stand in the presence of so many amazing writers! I love that you kept the character of each piece with the blemishes and beauty all exposed without editing that out.

    I realized while wring my poems for submittal for you book, writing about our childhood is just what you say “childhood is not a simple memory filled with joy or pain. Childhood constitutes itself as an integral part of their poems, a part that continues to transform them as they write.”

    Truly this is so for me and as I write, I open places that were either hidden from sight or I have gained insight and understanding in the pain and joy that once were scorned and bitter.

    I always thought I would write a memoir about it but after writing in both Wounds I have Healed and now HIDDEN IN CHILDHOOD, I know longer feel this burning desire to share my story. Both sides have fussed together honoring my ancestors and the “good with the bad” in way I never dreamt possible. Embracing all of our parts is truly the gift of childhood.

    It is a blessing, you are a blessing and the world is better because of you!
    Thank you Gabriela!
    💗💗💗

    Reply

    1. Aw, aw, you are fabulous my dearest Cindy. What a gorgeous comment. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to share your beautiful thoughts with me.

      “I always thought I would write a memoir about” Oh, hon, I need you to write your memoir. Think about. You still have so much to say. And I need to read everything. So many people will be happy to read you. Promise me you will.

      Have a wonderful evening. Lots of love.
      xoxo

      Reply

      1. Awww I’m touched now my dearest Gabriela! I’m elated you found it so. You are sooo welcome my friend!

        Don’t worry, I have a book in the making as we speak with Ingrid! As far as a memoir, we shall see what time and live unveils. You are the cutest!

        Love and hugs to you our Mother of HIDDEN IN CHILDHOOD!
        How lucky are all of we!
        💞💞💞

      2. Oh, my dearest, I know you have a book in the making and I wish you success from the bottom of my heart. You will be very successful. After that you can think about your memoir.

        HUGE HUGS TO YOU TOO.
        xoxo

      3. Thanks so much my dear friend…
        Your vote of confidence means the world to me. I just love how you are always beneath my wings to fly me to my next calling. How did I get so lucky that our paths crossed!!!!
        Thank you beyond words!
        💗

        Hugs and more hugs back to you!!! 🤗

  29. Pingback: Hidden in Childhood – Full Cover Reveal and Preface — Short Prose – MasticadoresUsa // Editor: Barbara Leonhard

  30. Congratulations, Gabriela. Your preface moves me and is a beautiful entry into the anthology. I am honoured to be a part and anxious to have it in my hands. It will be treasured reading, I am sure <3

    Reply

    1. Thank you my dearest Jean. I am honored by your wonderful contribution 🌹❤️

      Reply

  31. Reading the preface is an emotional experience, I can only imagine the feelings when I hold this book in my hand and start reading. Can’t wait for it to be out.

    Reply

    1. Cassa, my dearest, I thought I replied to your comment. Yet I cannot find a reply. Thank you so much for your kind words about the preface. Thank you a thousand times for your support and your wonderful contribution. Sending huge hugs.
      xoxo

      Reply

  32. Wow – your beautiful, insightful & heartfelt preface moved me…this truly shows me once again…when you’re in it, then you’re in it with everything you have…your mind, your heart, your spiritual energy…the cover looks amazing…I feel proud & honoured to be included in one of a kind anthology…many congratulations to you, dearest Gabriela ✨💟💫

    Reply

    1. Navin, my dearest friend, thank you so much for your kind words. They are so moving. I am honored to publish you. I am honored to be your friend. And what can I say? I felt bad I asked for your help, but there you were a knight in shining armor and you helped me. A thousands thanks for being YOU.
      Sending huge hugs your way.
      xoxo

      Reply

      1. The feeling is mutual…I’m honoured to be your friend as well, dearest Gabriela…never feel bad asking for help…you’re so kind & sweet…the knight in shining armor tapped his fingers on his phone to re-create the image…it’s my pleasure helping you…A million thank to you for being YOU…what you do for this community…your love towards poetry…a blessing indeed 💫

      2. I still feel bad I asked you for help.. I generally don’t ask for help. Yet I was so overwhelmed with work when you wrote. Asking you was instinctual. I did not think (that scares me. It really does :). I needed the help and you were right there my friend. Never in my dreams I thought I would have a new promo in 10 minutes. YOU are a real friend and a knight in shining armor. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.
        xo

      3. I can understand dearest Gabriela…you’ve been quite busy with several things…it’s my pleasure that I could offer help…instinctual is good…sometimes, we think a lot & then we can’t decide…this way it’s was simple & easy, in my opinion…but I do get you…know one thing that you can always ask me for help if you ever need, without thinking twice…if I can, then I will, my dearest friend…have a wonderful & peaceful day 💫

    1. Thank you Susi. It’s always a pleasure to include your work hon. That’s because your work is always beautiful.
      xoxo

      Reply

    1. Thank you so much hon. I am so honored to put together such a wonderful collection.
      xoxo

      Reply

    1. Thank you so much Andrew and thank you for your help on Twitter. Have a beautiful evening.

      Reply

  37. Your preface is so beautiful, Gabriela! As always thank you for the inclusion. Can’t wait for it to be out.

    Reply

    1. Thank you my dearest Virginia. I am glad you liked the preface and very honored to include your beautiful poetry.
      xoxo

      Reply

  38. This is a stunning piece of work, Gabriela! We are all over the moon with excitement and anticipation of the publication of Hidden in Childhood. I cannot imagine the hours and hours of work you have devoted to this new anthology but for you it is a labor of love. This was such a therapeutic and cleansing experience for me! Congratulations to you and to everyone who poured out their hearts and souls. Ti voglio bene, cara. xox 🤎

    Reply

    1. Grazie di cuore cara mia. I am so glad you liked the preface. Yes, there were hours and hours of work but I am so happy I did it. It is a labor of love indeed. It’s such an honor to be entrusted with heart-felt poetry. I feel blessed. The manuscript is now in the hands of the formatters and provided that Amazon collaborates we will have a book at the end of January. Love you. Thank you for your support and for your fabulous contribution.

      Reply

  39. Congratulations, on receiving so many submissions, and the lovely cover. A heart trusted, to be a part of one’s childhood, is a heart blessed, be a part of another’s heart! Blessings to you!

    Reply

    1. Hi Warren, thank you so much for your wonderful comment. I really feel blessed. You are right. I become part of the contributor’s hearts. That honors and humbles me beyond words.
      Blessings to you too.

      Reply

  41. Congratulations on your new Hidden In Childhood book Gabriela. We are in alignment in our views of childhood. I remember when I first heard about the idea of an Inner Child from my grandmother and then later on during an independent study as a psychology major back in college, whilst exploring bibliotherapy as a therapeutic medium. Thank you bringing this dream into the material realm for the rest of us to enjoy. Bowing to you.

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much for the congrats and for sharing your experience and your poetry with us. Given your background I would like to know what you think after you read the book. Have a beautiful rest of the week and thank you again.

      Reply

    1. Thank you so much for your kind words Diana and thank you so much for your wonderful contribution 🌹🌹

      Reply

  44. Dear Gabriela, congratulation! I love the idea of this collection of poems. Though my childhood was not very good, the poems I write are never about my childhood. I never gave it a thought until I read your introduction to this wonderful book, thank you. I am looking forward to reading it.
    Best regards Eileen Clark

    Reply

    1. My dearest Eileen, thank you so much for your support. I hope this book will have not only an artistic impact but a therapeutic one too. I hope it will help readers that did not have a happy childhood to start healing. Sending you love and lots a good wishes. enjoy the rest of your week.

      Reply
  47. Pingback: Hidden in childhood & #RXC #poetry

  48. Such a magical cover and a beautifully worded preface. Your words are a glorious dedication to those who put their hearts and souls into their writing delivering honesty in the garb of creativity. Allowing the writers’ words to remain their own and exhibit the emotions only they know is a lovely decision and gesture. Congratulations Gabriela and thank you for all you do. 🙂

    Reply

    1. My Dearest Treveen, thank you so much for your kind words. I am deeply grateful for your support and for the beautiful thoughts about the work of the contributors. I am glad you liked the cover and the preface.

      Wishing you a splendid year, with health and happiness.

      Gabriela

      Reply

    1. My Dearest Michele, apologizes for my late reply and thank you very much for your kind wishes.
      have a fabulous week ahead.

      Gabriela

      Reply
  51. Pingback: Some Announcements For January - Lifesfinewhine

    1. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. It is a splendid collection indeed. It includes fantastic poetry 🌹

      Reply

  55. I found it beautiful to bring on the line of light poets whom voice are so often hidden in the dark.
    I’m sure it will be a tumultuous book, a roller coaster of emotions, and so many souls within.

    I think it is the system who want that dichotomy, a world where we try and break individuals into adulthood.

    Congratulation Gabriela, you have put behind each of the voices and poems a tremendous work 9f coordination and love.

    💌💌
    Myriam

    Reply

    1. Good morning my wonderful Miriam, and thank you for sharing your thoughts. We should not have voices in the dark. I am happy to make a contribution and give people a venue to express their talent and at the same time to feel – I hope- liberated.
      Thank you for the congrats and congrats to you too ❤️🌺🌸🌹

      Reply

  56. Beautiful cover, the preface is beyond words amazing. Thank you for letting me be a part of this wonderful project, Gabriela. Eagerly waiting for this anthology 💕

    Reply

    1. My pleasure hon. I am glad you like the cover and the preface and very happy to have your beautiful work included 🌹🌺💫

      Reply

  57. Congratulations, Gabriela, on embarking on this journey! Thank you for touching this theme – the most fragile part of human life, for your inspiration and calling to put feelings into words! I’m looking forward to getting my copy! ❤️💌

    Reply

  59. I read your words and a thousand childhoods burrowed into my heart.

    This is so wonderful, Gabriella. I can’t tell you how much it means to me to be part of this book. Writing the poems was very emotional, and now, reading your words… I feel like crying and hugging the whole world at the same time. Thank you so much for giving me such a beautiful feeling!

    Many hugs, B.

    Reply

    1. My dearest Basilike, how wonderful to have you here. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your beautiful comment. Now, you made me feel like crying…
      Hon, it was my pleasure to include your wonderful poetry in this collection. I have always been fascinating by your writing. It speaks to me so much. Thank you for submitting. Thank you for being YOU.
      Love
      G.

      Reply
  60. Pingback: A reading from Hidden in Childhood and some updates – Short Prose
  62. Pingback: Hidden in Childhood #1 Best Selling Poetry Anthology on Amazon! – MasticadoresUsa // Editor: Barbara Leonhard

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