Arteidolia Press 2024 Sharon Lopez Mooney's "Cantata for a desert poet" is inspired by stories gifted to her by the Palestinian journalist, painter and poet Salam Khalili. "He laid his hope of sharing his truths in my hands, believing them the same struggles as so many affected by war." Mooney intertwines Salam's tellings with her own reflections into this cycle of poems that grew out a deep bond between the two poets. "Salam had one of the biggest hearts and wisest minds of anyone I have met. He was a polymath, a peacemaker, an activist, a mathematician, a mystic and poet, a celebrated artist and an inspiration to many. He embodied and fostered the sweetness of profound love and brilliance. Salam and I became heart friends for life. We still are, and I honor you, Salam wherever you are now!" - Jack Kornfield, Buddhist teacher and author