Sisu (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781492907718)

In the foreword of Sisu, the nostalgic, winsome collection of poetry and artwork by Aura Levitas, the poet and artist shares the translation for the Finnish word that serves as title of her work. Defined as perseverance, guts, or grit, the word aptly describes the journey of this Brooklyn-born dancer and artist who graced Broadway stages, showed her artwork at New York galleries, and endured a host of romances.

Through the written word and mixed-media and collage, Levitas offers a glimpse into her charmed and deeply felt world in this eclectic array of poems that captures a life of arts and passion. From her World War II past to her observations as a senior citizen, this tender collection spans the range of human emotion, whether the lively account of a blind date in the New York days of the Copa and Schraffts or a lonely tumble from a walker en route to the grocery store.

With humor, heart, and a keen eye for detail, Sisu lays bare the dazzling highs of a glamorous youth and the insights of maturity. These works dance across the page like the poet once did, and will resonate in your mind's eye like her shimmering memories.