Exciting News — Unveiling Valor: A New Poetry Adventure Awaits!
September 28, 2025
Dear Friends, Family and Fellow Poetry Lovers,
I hope this email finds you well and inspired! Today, I’m thrilled to shine a spotlight on the remarkable Cheryl de Boissiere, my sister, a true gem in the world of literature and innovation. With her unique blend of creativity and technical prowess, Cheryl has touched hearts and minds through her words and work for decades.
Cheryl de Boissiere is an American author, poet, and former technology professional known for her contributions to speculative fiction, sci-fi short stories, and poetry. She served as a Data Processing Technician Third Class at Naval Intelligence during the late 1970s, where she maintained a Navy mainframe for GPS positioning systems —a pioneering role that helped shape modern navigation. In the 1980s and 1990s, she brought her talents to LOADSTAR, a beloved disk-based magazine for Commodore 64/128 computers, where she worked as a coder and writer, delivering fun games, handy utilities, and engaging content to a community of enthusiasts. In 1999, she won Prosequest ‘99.
Her literary journey is just as captivating. Cheryl’s collection, Twilight Fingers (2000), offers five thought-provoking dystopian tales that explore how technology and societal shifts that intertwine, inviting us to reflect on our ever-changing world. And her poetry? It’s simply evocative, diving deep into the themes of human experience and introspection, reminding us of the beauty in our shared stories. Educated at Los Angeles City College and Saint Alphonsus Catholic School. Cheryl’s path is one of resilience, curiosity, and heartfelt expression.
But here’s the exciting part—we’re delighted to share that Cheryl is currently developing an annual poetry competition for Katrina’s Dream! This new initiative Unvailing Valor promises to celebrate emerging voices, foster creativity, and bring poetry lovers together in a supportive community. Stay tuned for more details in the coming months—we’ll be sharing entry guidelines, themes, prizes, and how you can get involved. Whether you’re a seasoned poet or just starting to explore your words, this could be the perfect opportunity to shine!
In the meantime, if Cheryl’s story inspires you, why not dive into her works?
Here’s a taste of her evocative poetry with “It Does Entertain” [Excerpt] by C. de Boissiere—read the full piece here:
Did Jesus really go Virgil,
ignore the Highway?
There is no holy text that
does not get rewritten
Roman plots, schemes to
control people… minds…
Eventually, Inquisitors and
Puritan witch hunters
Censor Morem of later ages
One wonders if
anyone realizes Virgil alone wrote
Facilis descensus
Averno
The descent to
Avernus is easy
It’s true — it’s
downhill
Jewish scripture does
not have narrow
paths
They have the
Highway and many
ways to Godhead
One can change
lanes, take a detour,
rest for a while
Did Jesus really go
Virgil, ignore the
Highway?
We’d love to hear your thoughts—feel free to post directly in the comments on the poem’s page here. Let’s keep the conversation going!
Love and Light,
Helene de Boissiere – Swanson
P.S. As a reminder, please consider donating to the $20 for 20 campaign to support more creative initiatives like this—every contribution helps foster the arts!
P.S. Invoke your power—call Congress demanding the ERA using Power of One: https://www.katrinasdream.org/dreamscape/powerof10/
