"You can take from me what you will but you cannot touch the words of my heart," declares author Robin Coffee in the introduction to "A Scar Upon Our Voice." In this autobiographical poetry collection, Coffee explores the aftershocks of growing up as an American Indian in a country that has marginalized his cultural identity. Coffee relinquishes his alienation, anger, and his desire to heal wounds inflicted through centuries of betrayal by a self-interested government. Coffee adeptly speaks to the injustices he has known but is quick to find hope and solace in sharing his work: "A simple gesture born out of kindness can stitch hope into a torn heart and turn a dying spirit into a gift to the world. A simple gesture born out of kindness may be the only coin that the lost and lonely soul has left to give to another in need. "A Scar Upon Our Voice" is my simple gesture."Mary Burritt Christiansen's (1923-1998) desire to perpetuate poetry as a literary form inspired her to sponsor a series of poetry books through a generous endowment to UNM Press. "A Scar Upon Our Voice" is the thirteenth title in the Mary Burritt Christiansen Poetry Series, for which V. B. Price serves as series editor. FREEDOMPeople who are freeBear hope within their heartsLike woman heavy with childThey do not find itIn elected voicesPeople who are freeIn giving gifts of loveCease to existLike the river--from "A Scar Upon Our Voice"