Assistant professor William Evans (Public Health Education) has published a new book of poetry, “Valleys of Ivory.” In the book, elephants are used a metaphor for the human experience.
Evans writes, “The inspiration for “Valleys of Ivory” started with a question: “Where do elephants go to die?” I had always heard of the legend of a secret place where they would go, so I researched and studied the folklore. For me, it is a metaphor for humans who seek a special place of tranquil affiliation, camaraderie among peers, and a safe haven to live out our final days with unconditional love, without fear, without judgment, a safety in numbers supporting complete acceptance of self. It’s about being a part of something bigger than you, and recognizing that we are simply part of the greater equation of life. This book is written through the lives of humans who travel similar paths elephants do, by living in social circles, encountering obstacles along the way, and finding hope in life’s memories and reunions. I chose elephants as the metaphor for the human experience because of the spiritual bonds they seem to have with one another, the world around them, and their unquenchable thirst to stay with the journey.”
Evans also wrote the book of poetry “Virgin Snow.”
