<DIV><p>"Cassells is a passionate poet whose poems touch the core of human connection through which can flow union with the infinite. Highly recommended."?<I>Library Journal</I></p><p>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, <I>The Crossed-Out Swastika</I> 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.</p><p><I>Poet, from cellar to cellar, I remember<BR>I held onto, of all things,</I></p><p><I>a picture book about a magical goat,<BR>inscribed by my witty father:</I></p><p>This storybook belongs<BR>to Mademoiselle Sabine</p><p>the way Paris once belonged<BR>to Marie Antoinette?</p><p><I>Somehow having that book<BR>helped me to endure . . .</I></p><p><B>Cyrus Cassells</B> 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.</p><BR></DIV>