Unavoidable delays in the production of ELEMENTAL , a book that showcases the art of Luther E. Vann with poetry by Aberjhani, did not stop the project from moving forward with the publication of poetry from the book in the April, May, August, and October editions of the world-famous ESSENCE Magazine.

            The creators of ELEMENTAL along with its publisher, Bonaventure Books, had planned initially on a late winter or early spring 2005 release date for the title. However, transferring Vann’s unique color schemes and painting process from the canvas to book format utilizing digital technology proved more challenging than previously anticipated. 2005 remains the year targeted to produce the title but the publisher declined to provide an estimated date of completion at this time.

            Despite the delay in the book’s production, a total of five poems from it have been featured in ESSENCE Magazine throughout 2005. “Having poetry published in both the April and May editions of ESSENCE was like receiving a grand consolation prize because both those issues were available during National Poetry Month,” said Aberjhani. “This is a time when most poets generally enjoy sharing their work on one level or another so I was very grateful to be able to share mine through a publication with a worldwide circulation that's in the millions.” 

Aberjhani’s poem “Star People” appeared  in the magazine’s April issue alongside work by fellow poets Rita Dove, Jessica Care Moore, E. Ethelbert Miller, Oliver Mbamara, and Mary E. Bradix. Superstar diva Mariah Carey was featured on the cover of the issue.

            The poems “Botanical Gardens Number 2” and “In a Quiet Place on a Quiet Street,” by Aberjhani, were in the May installment of the magazine. Once again, his work was presented alongside that of Jessica Care Moore. Other poets featured in this 35^th Anniversary Collector’s Edition of ESSENCE were Tanya Tyler, Cedric Mixon, Angela Shannon, Erhiorin Urhiafe, and Jean Wilson. The cover of the May ESSENCE bosted an all-star line-up spotlighting the magazine’s editorial director, Susan L. Taylor, superstar model and businesswoman Iman, actresses Angela Bassett and Mo’Nique, and celebrated singers Fantasia and Alicia Keys.