Most of us are familiar with the word cocoon. It is also likely that, as a child, we watched in amazement, as tiny larvae spun a silken web around itself, becoming totally encapsulated. Although this silken shield was actually quite beautiful to see, hopefully someone explained to us that this magical process of nature was an act of protection, for the helpless larvae, to shelter it from destruction from numerous predators. And, if we watched long enough, we were treated to the metamorphosis of the larvae into a beautiful, colorful butterfly. In A. C. Fernandez first published collection of poetry UNREMARKABLE, we are treated to a quite remarkable act of self-preservation during her childhood and early adulthood, in which she created an emotional cocoon. Although we usually think of the word cocoon primarily as a noun, it may also be used as a verb; retreat - as if into a cocoon from an unfriendly environment. Such was the act in the life of A. C. Fernandez. Fortunately, for those of us having the opportunity to read her poetry, she has permitted us to look inside her cocoon and to view her withdrawal and existence as she created her shield of self-preservation. Even more fortuitous is that we are provided with the picture of Angeli as she breaks open her cocoon and spreads her wings in a happy and colorful display of poetic imagery.
About the Author: Once silenced by the trauma from years of violation, A.C. Fernandez had begun to write at the early age of 13 in order to find meaning in her life's experiences. Her earlier poems, not shared, as they held personal means of coping with the trauma of abuse. Later in her adult life, she had gained the ability to speak through her writing, and share it with her readers, in hopes of providing inspiration to those who have walked a similar path, through an online writing site, and now, a published book. She has spent much of her lifetime researching crimes, currently focusing on crimes against women in cultures which allow female genital mutilation, stoning, acid burning, and forced child bride marriages, as well as a strong advocate for the safety and welfare of children. She has joyfully served as a Counselor, Case Manager, and Psychiatric Nursing Assistant, and therefore has been exposed to a wealth of knowledge, regarding the effects of brutality among the defenseless and innocent. She has been a speaker to groups of individuals at Universities, schools, and a number of centers which focus primarily on sexual assault. Having worked with convicted sex offenders during counseling sessions and, also, individuals who have experienced the trauma of the various evils of abuse; through these venues she has gleaned a great deal of understanding regarding the perpetration cycle, and the means perpetrators use to both choose, and groom their victims. She is a published photographer, focusing on individuals without homes. Her artwork is on display at a local Sexual Assault Response Center. Being considered an admired freestyle writer in the state of Texas, she is a member of the Wichita Falls Poetry Society, to which she is grateful for the opportunity to tailor and expand her work, and also assist other poets to do the same in return. She has received numerous awards for her poetry and continues to do so among certain circles. Her writings have been published in Prism, The Voices Project, SoulSpeakOut, bluestockingsmagazine, Police Poetry, The AnimalsVoice Magazine, The Times Record News (Wichita Falls, Texas), The Daily Mirror (Wichita Falls, Texas), Shadows and Mist, Rain Tiger, and Dreamquest One, among others. Peace is what she strives for, and earns such in the privacy of her own home, where she is most comfortable and happy writing.