Images of New Orleans's historic French Quarter evoke wrought iron gates, flowers hanging from second-story porches, and age-old romance. But hidden from the romantic and joyful jubilations of Mardi Gras, the darkness of an empty alley can inspire remembrance of things past-dreams within dreams, as Edgar Allan Poe might say. and "French Quarter Cantos: A Poelage and " is a collection of verse from a poet who has walked down the dark alleys of New Orleans, discovering a visceral connection to the city and, ultimately, artistic inspiration. Author Genaro Jesse Perez uses powerful imagery, expressing strong emotions and memories, both bitter and sweet, in this fond ode to a beautiful and troubled city in the American south. Read about the epic inevitability of mortality in and "Dolores and " and and "Just a Little Kiss. and " See through the false faces of holier-than-thou academics in and "Face Dancers. and " And bitterness and regret rule and "Award for Long Service. and " Poe was never afraid of the darkness; neither is Perez. Delve into the abyss of New Orleans, despite the foreboding atmosphere. See, smell, taste, and touch a bit of Creole life.