Unsolicited Press is thrilled to announce the release of Vessels, a powerful and moving poetry collection by Robert van Vliet. Drawing on themes of isolation, heartbreak, and renewal, Vessels takes readers on a profound journey through three poetic suites, each a path seeking hope and presence amidst the challenges of modern life.
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Written during a period of deep disquiet and absence, van Vliet employed chance operations to dictate much of his writing process, allowing randomness to shape the daily creation of ten-line poems. The results are deeply resonant, offering a reflective escape from the polarized realities of the pandemic and delivering a message of spiritual renewal.

Vessels has already garnered high praise from poets and critics:
Eileen R. Tabios describes it as "not only moving and engaging poetry; its words have crafted a worthwhile lesson," adding that van Vliet explores themes like “the hope of forgiveness” and the shared human experience of helping each other.

Henry Gould finds the collection to express “remorse, unease, and struggle” while simultaneously offering “a sense of enigmatic wonder and peace.” He praises the poems' authenticity, delivering a "profound encounter with reality."

Mark Young notes the collection’s spiritual depth, likening Vessels to a "catechism in the sense it is an exposition of belief,” while Patrick Pritchett calls it “a book-length meditation on evanescence and the deep pleasures of the immediate.”

Robert van Vliet’s Vessels offers a deeply contemplative and illuminating reading experience, showcasing poetry that balances quiet reflection with raw emotional power.
 
Vessels
By Robert van Vliet
Publication Date: December 17, 2024
Price: $17.95
ISBN: 978-1-956692-89-1
Pages: 148
Available from Unsolicited Press and major book retailers.


About the Author:
Robert van Vliet grew up in the Twin Cities and has lived in various places throughout his life. His poetry has appeared in The Sixth Chamber Review, Autumn Sky Poetry Daily, and other literary outlets. He currently resides in Saint Paul, Minnesota, where he teaches and continues his creative endeavors.
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About Unsolicited Press:
Unsolicited Press is a small, independent publishing house based in Portland, Oregon. We are dedicated to publishing bold, thought-provoking works by authors who challenge literary norms.