The Crossed-Out Swastika

Cassells is a passionate poet whose poems touch the core of human connection through which can flow union with the infinite. Highly recommended. -Library Journal

Cyrus Cassells’ fifth book commemorates the blazing integrity of young people caught in the vise of World War II. In its journey through the anti-miracle of Europe’s embattled past, The Crossed-Out Swastika follows the lives of historical and semi-fictional characters to unearth and amplify moments of almost impossible music, bravery, beauty, and redemption, illuminating the human spirit against unspeakable tyranny.

Poet, from cellar to cellar, I remember I held onto, of all things,

a picture book about a magical goat, inscribed by my witty father:

This storybook belongs to Mademoiselle Sabine

the way Paris once belonged to Marie Antoinette-

Somehow having that book helped me to endure …

Cyrus Cassells grew up in the Mojave Desert. He graduated from Stanford University and has worked as a translator, film critic, and actor; he currently teaches poetry in the MFA program at Texas State University-San Marcos. He lives in Austin, Texas.