Teosinte began as a series of poems and then merged with the symbolism of Regina Szczypiorski's art. It is structured on the seven days and nights of the Mayan Underworld. A parallel story emerged with the author's diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in December 2010. This book is an honest account of one woman processing the system of cancer treatment in our country. It was written in the form of poetry and journals over a period of 10 years, culminating with the assertion of a new myth; a myth that responds to the common theme of the phoenix across cultures and traditions; a myth that states the phoenix has landed, built her nest, burned and flew ... and now it's time to move forward.