We Suffer Yet We Survive

So I'm standing in line at the local CVS when one of my sons' friend's mom says to me, "Hey, I hear you have a book coming out.  What's it about?" 

My first reaction is to look over my shoulder, thinking she is speaking to someone else, but then I remember.  I smile and say, "It's a chapbook of poems."  I pat my pockets, wishing I'd brought an extra promotional postcard with me.  (I have since tucked a few spares in my purse.)

The mom, who shall remain nameless, scrunches her pretty face as if she'd smelled something foul and replies, "Oh.  I didn't think anyone wrote poems anymore."

The line moves forward and we go on our merry (and not-so-merry) way.  But her original question sticks.  What is my poetry chapbook about?

First and foremost, it's a chapbook, which is a short collection of poems.  They have been gathered around a theme, Sudden Departures.  So these poems are, in a most general way, about different departures. 

But, you ask, what is it about?  Here are some answers, that will hopefully bring you some insight:

If you've ever had a bad haircut...there's a poem for you.

If you've ever glanced at an eclipse and didn't damage your eyes...there's a poem for you.

If you've ever been turned away from donating blood...there's a poem for you.

If you've ever lost someone you loved...there's a poem for you.

If you've ever been the last one asked to dance...there's a poem for you.

If you've ever been annoyed by passengers on a train...there's a poem for you.

If you've ever watched the Oscars...there's a poem for you.

If you've ever strolled through a corn field...there's a poem for you.

If you've ever had your heart broken...there's a poem for you.

If you've ever been suspicious of chickens...there's a poem for you.

If you've ever admired Amelia Earhart...there's a poem for you.

If you've ever fallen in love...there's a poem for you.

If you've ever wondered what I think of buttons...there's a poem for you.

If you've ever wanted to escape...there's a poem for you.

It's the planes, trains, boats and motorcycles of the heart poetry. 
(I should've included an automobile poem.  D'oh!)

Poetry is not dead.  Poetry is not outdated. Support poetry.  Hoosier poetry matters! 

Buy my chapbook.  If not for the poems, then for the fabulous cover photograph created by another Hoosier artist, photographer, Jennifer Shelhart.  It's available for preorder today at Finishing Line Press.  (Don't forget that preorders determine the print run overall.  Preorders are important!)

If you buy my poetry, you have my undying gratitude. I will owe you one.  Or two, depending on how many copies you pick up! 

If you have already purchased a copy, then you have my heartfelt appreciation. 

I hope you enjoy what you discover!