Dave Boles has worked as a publisher, writer and designer since 1982. Founder of the alternative literary and visual magazine, Primal Urge, he went on to develop Cold River Press in the early 1990's to further promote regional writers and artists. His press and focus eventually grew to international levels of publishing with his anthology, VOICES. He has published, designed, edited and written numerous books, magazines, articles, and periodicals. His publications, graphic design and artwork have won him international acclaim in an over forty year career.

A lifelong student of Magic and Spiritualism, he holds degrees in Psychology, Philosophy, and a Doctorate of Divinity in Theosophical Studies, founding the Church Of The Illuminated Monkey to further his ongoing quest at exploring ancient religions and their practices.

Living in Northern California at his beloved Lake House with his wife, Mrs. America, and numerous animals, he chronicles his devotion to magic and our ancestors, writing of ancient mysticism through his "Coyote Series", a four book series of epic poems that detail the spiritual and mystical wisdom of the ages. His latest book, the third in the series, COYOTE SPIRIT, is nearly finished and is due to be published early 2025.

"This is what I have been trying to tell you; knowledge can be communicated, yes, but not wisdom. One can find wisdom, live with wisdom, be sustained by wisdom, even do wondrous things in life through wisdom, but one can not communicate it and teach it. It is simply not possible. Wisdom must come to us not from textbooks or some genetic predisposition. No, not at all. It must come from the realization that life as a reality is an illusion. A simple magic trick with which to entertain eager children warming to the notion that everything is possible, if only you believe."

— from COYOTE SPIRIT

J. C. Olander, bio-educator Cal-Poets since 1984, innovator of spoken word poetry: land-based ethics rooted in science, observation, reflection--exploring human horrors and beautiful auras, mystical revelations, all that is possible being here now. What we make of life is what we get. “I create musical image phrasing, dramatizing relative experiences; a sound poet exploring meanings of words, phrases, ideas, emotions in sound rhythm patterns.” He teaches poetry writing and recitation in schools, institutions, privately; he has published 4 CD’s spoken word, 4 CD's of poetry with musicians, 4 chapbooks, 2 poetry books River Light (Poetic Matrix Press) Twilight Roses (R. L. Crow Press).

Owl

From some hidden foliage
it takes wing
silent in twilight air
beautiful in flight
noiseless elegant glide
as a poem that grasps you
in stunning silence.

The sudden piercing talons
sinking through flesh
to the heart
of its witness prey
sharp poignant bite
like words that take
your breath away.