Djuro G. Zrilic
In his book
Friend Forever, Dr. Zrilic shares his emotions with all of us who love dogs. Although a first generation immigrant, and self taught in English, his poems are compeling, moving and absorbing. His poems relate to childhood, dogs, and grandparents are the soft pillow on which many of us have slept. In the poems, related to his adulthood, such as
Take Me Back or
As Time Is Passing By, the author offers a rich appreciation and understanding of real friendship in every day life, which can be given unconditionally only by a dog. Like many first generation American Immigrants the author infuses powerful nostalgia and energy into his poems.
Dr. Djuro G. Zrilic was born in the former Yugoslavia, and now lives in Santa Fe, NM. He is a tenured professor of electrical engineering at New Mexico Highlands University and research professor at the University of New Mexico. He is the author of the monograph Circuit and Systems Based on Delta Modulation: Linear, Nonlinear and Mixed Mode Processing, published by Springer Verlag in 2005. He has published more than 75 papers and holds two U.S. patents. Aside from his teaching and research activities Dr. Zrilic has an interest in writing poems and short essays. His hobbies include reading, writing, dancing, downhill skiing, mountain hiking, watching horse races, and playing tennis.
Abelardo Sanchez has illustrated the book Friend Forever. He was born in Northern California and resides in Sothwest New Mexico. He has pack of Chihuahuas that some times bark at the most inconvenient time, like 3 o'clock in the A.M. He is primarly a pastel portrait artist who works out of his studio, primarly on private commissions. He has depicted all types of animals including, of course, dogs. He studied art at New Mexico University in Portales.
This collection of poems by Dr. Djuro G. Zrilic is based on the fascinating and unique past of the author who grew up in former Yugoslavia. The poems release limitless imagination and joy. They are reminiscences of different dogs which the author has owned or known throughout his lifetime. Although "Chili Pepper" is depicted as a Spaniel in the book, ther is some "Chili Pepper" in all dogs from Chihuahuas to Terriers to St. Bernards. A dog is a constant companion, always wanting to accopany his or her master or mistress on all activities. The author draws upon his wit and experience to introduce "Chili Papper" to readers of all ages and walks of life. Dr. Zrilic's poems are tales woven on a gentle loom, yet they depict real life experiences. His wry expressions are relayed in a manner seldom witnessed today. They capture the moods that span the gamut of life, from childhood to well into adulthood. The poems are sometimes sad, funny, exciting, and earthy, but ultimately the collection reflects "Chili Papper" as a true dog who is there every day to share in the life of his place. Stunning colorful illustrations artfully complement each poem to provide an enjoyable reading experience. This fascinating book of poems will warm the hearts and set free the minds and imagination of dog loving readers. As a dog will never will let you down, Dr. Zrilic's poems will never let you down as well.
Friend Forever
A real friend is like a dog,
Always ready to defend,
Whether right or whether wrong,
Always there to defend.
You can harm him sad to say,
He will always want to stay.
He will always protect you,
As good friend will always do.
Once I was a teenage boy,
Danger threatend in the night,
My dog was there, by my side,
And saved me from a nasty fight.
From that night on,
No matter where I'd go,
I'd always have him with me,
To protect me from their blow.
When darkness settles on a rooftop,
And night falls from the sky,
I am sure my friend's defense
Will not end until I die.
