Should anyone wish to know what the definition of "art" might be, I would suggest they listen and read Zayra's incomparable works. She possesses each and every quality that creation demands of us - heart, soul, mind, body, compassion, knowledge, understanding, yearning, tolerance, honesty, intelligence, generosity, sensitivity...I could go on for some time with various superlatives in describing this woman, this poet, this artiste extraordinaire. She has, like so many others, spent her life in pursuit of light, truth, justice, equality...and I believe that this world has been greatly enriched by her searches and discoveries. She is not afraid to stumble and fall - nor is she unwilling to rise again, to face the tasks and glories that a new day brings. She does not hesitate to ascend when the wind calls her name - she soars. Yet, she is very much of this earth - a guardian of grace, a warrior for love. She explores galaxies within a single moment and unveils the ancient within us all. I have many favorite poems among her collected works, and many favorite lines within her poems. Here are but two of them: from "Becoming Abstract" - "and hope wanders around not fully known" from "A Lost Cry" - "new stars will be born" It is quite easy for me to shower Zayra with praise, because her poetry is so pure. Her humility is unquestionable. Her rapport with this existence is undeniable. I have known her for a few years now and will attest to her grace, her consistency, her kindness, her constant support of other artists, her soothing voice, her healing song.I cannot recommend her gifts highly enough.

I have long been a fan of Zayra Yves' poetry. In this offering of poetry, music, and atmospherics, I am envolved in a visceral way. From the opening poem, "Becoming Abstract" we know we are in for something special. We gain a peek at her "process" that seems, for a moment, just that. By the end, we are drawn into a sort of metamorphasis, a becoming, an opening of herself/ourselves that seems to invoke our own evolution story, a dance with language, personal evolution, and universal hungers. The first line of "Not Waiting" could stand alone as a philosophy. We are reminded that, in these difficult times, life is, indeed, what we make it, with miracles available to the open eyes of a dreamer, a lover, the brave forger of fragile bonds. In "What Might Still Be" we are offered hope, beauty, magic. We stand reminded that mystery is our friend, that, whether we embrace Buddahism, the Tao,or kneel, supplicant at the base of gathered stones, magic is acessable, visable, and in the very existance, our birth, there is a universal mother of all of us, and hope. The melding of music and poetry is seamless, with very high production values, and each adding to the strength of the other. The audible voice of the poet actually mirrors the soothing clarity and vulnerable, open quality of the poetry. If you listen to Ani Defranco and wish the poetry was more acessable, or read your favorite poet and wish it were entwined with just the right music, this is a must have CD. I've listened to mine about six times, and still find new treasures, unfolding nuance. Listen and learn, open, bloom.

Zayra Yves’ poetry moves in surprising ways, expressing the essential mystery of things in the perfectly executed brushstrokes of her harmonic voice. Retrograde Motion is Zayra Yves third CD production. She collaborated with the likes of Gardner Cole, a world class musician, whose intricate musical compositions provide just the right background for her voice. Retrograde Motion is a delight to the ears, and a fulfillment of sorts, to those souls who are thirsty to hear great poetry.