Saturday's dedication ceremony for a poetry anthology brought back all the memories for Epi Marquez.

"It's nice that they do this for them, but it won't bring my boy back," said the teary-eyed mother of Odessa Police Cpl. Abel Marquez, one of three officers fatally shot Sept. 8, 2007.

"I miss him very much," she said. "I'm thankful that they do things like this, but it still hurts very bad."

Along with Cpl. Marquez, OPD Cpls. Scott Gardner and Arlie Jones Jr. were shot while responding on a domestic violence call.

To pay tribute to the slain officers, the Permian Basin Chapter of the Poetry Society of Texas dedicated "Oil & Water (Treasures of West Texas)," its 2008 anthology, to their memory.

Saturday, the poetry group held a ceremony at the Presidential Museum to pay tribute to the officers. Poetry from the new book was read, along with works by poets like Emily Dickinson. Local singer Ron Eckert also performed a few songs.

"Dedication of an anthology to the memory of these outstanding public servants is a tribute that I am certain that their families will truly appreciate," said Odessa Mayor Larry Melton, himself mourning the loss of his mother. "Our city takes this opportunity to once again pay honor to our fallen heroes and applaud the Permian Basin poetry society for this great recognition."

OPD Lt. Art Fuentes said it's always nice to have the families come together.

"Every time we see you guys, it brings comfort to us," he said.

"Oil & Water (Treasures of West Texas," the 2008 antoholgy of the Permian Basin Chapter of the Poetry Society of Texas.

>> Cost: $10.

>> For information on ordering: Call Pat Peek at 520-4679 or K Copeland at 697-4205. E-mail kopykat@grandecom.net.

Our city grieves after an evening of insanity froze a sweltering September day with death.

I could tell you the orange cape of morning and mourning has wrapped around the city seven times soince it happened. But I want to show not tell you of our orange tears of shock, anger.

-excerpt from A Letter to the Poetry God, by Loretta Diane Walker.