When my debut poetry collection, An Honest Life Is Immortal, was published in the fall of 2020, we decided to make a virtual poetry reading to commemorate the release.

I read a handful of poems from the book, including the one about public bathroom graffiti that opens the entire collection. You can watch the clip of “Woe to the Porcelain Poets” below.

In addition to original poems from the book, I read a few of my all-time favorite poems by my all-time favorite poets. Here’s the list (these links go to the clip of me reading that specific poem):

• "Introduction to Poetry" by Billy Collins

• "Alive Together" by Lisel Mueller

• "Fire by Fire" by Madeline L'Engle

• "Summer Storm" by Dana Gioia

• "I Wake Close to Morning" by Mary Oliver

• "As Kingfishers Catch Fire" by Gerard Manley Hopkins

• "Special Money" by Karen Craigo

I owe most of my interest in poetry to Billy Collins. So, when we filmed the poetry reading, I had to give a slight nod to his Masterclass series. I couldn’t help myself!

Support Local Presses: Pub Hound Press

If you like what you hear, and you want more, you can pick up An Honest Life Is Immortal on Amazon. It’s on sale for some reason right now.

If you don’t mind paying a little extra because you love supporting small presses who help artists in their communities, you can purchase a copy on my publisher’s website: pubhoundpress.com.

I’ll end with a story about the most emotional poem I’ve ever written. It’s called “Slowly, Slowly” and it was written for my then newborn son. It makes me emotional every time I read it (as evidenced in the clip above) and it helps me try to be a better dad.

Hope you enjoy these poems.

P.S: New Published Poem and Upcoming Poetry Reading

I’ve got a new poem forthcoming in an online magazine called eMerge Literary Magazine. It’s called “Two Suns” that will be published in the spring edition.

We’re doing a virtual reading on April 28 at 7pm CT. I hope you’ll join. I’ll be reading some brand new poems that I’ve never shared before. You can find more information and register here.