Author of the anthology of poems 'Sunrise to Sunset', Dawn McDowell (right) autographs copies of her book for guests at the launch held at the Red Bones Blues Cafe in New Kingston. IN THE cosy garden-setting of the Red Bones Blues Cafe on Braemar Avenue, Kingston, the pensive and sensitive poet Dawn McDowell listened, while poet Saffron read from Dawn's collection of poems Sunrise to Sunset.
The occasion was the launch of her book Sunrise To Sunset, which is an anthology reflecting the thoughts and experiences of Miss McDowell.
Under a starry sky and with soothing blues music in the background, everyone sat in the courtyard and listened. Most were amazed at Dawn's talent and in awe that she who has had a life plagued by illnesses, had found so much to be thankful for and to write about them.
Dawn was born 35 years ago with Kartagener's Syndrome (a triad of: a reversal of her internal organs, for example, her heart is on the right side; sinusitis and bronchiectasis). As a teen she was diagnosed with schizophrenia.
She shared with The Gleaner that she started writing seriously in 1990 and has received a Certificate of Merit from the JCDC for a story titled Cataflana.. She explained that Kartagener's Syndrome appeared in one in every 40,000 or 1,000,000 births. And in order to help others who suffer from this illness, she intends to donate her body to research when she dies.
According to Dr. Frank Knight, psychiatrist, Dawn has "moved from despairing about herself" as her family has "supported her and stood by her." He said Dawn's poems exuded "wrath, humour, and a lot of feelings..."
Dawn's mother, Mrs. Evangeline McDowell, who has been her primary care giver and support, cried at the reading of one of the poems Emotions. For her, it was a moment of pride and an achievement for her daughter.
Master of ceremonies, Evan Williams, co-owner of Red Bones, an architect and collector of art, commented on her talent and wished her the best for the future.
Among the guests were Xinema Ederer, wife of German Ambassador Adolf Ederer and Marion Smith, wife of British High Commissioner Antony Smith.
