9-04-2024 4:05am

"I AM: Proud"--Poet John Yamrus Says "Live It Up" in Announcing Release of New Books

Lesley Misko Editor

Ed.: As part of Studio B Art Gallery's "I AM: Proud" project, local writers and artists were encouraged to respond to the theme.

by John Yamus

he said

it’s like
that moment
just before drowning...
you’re not
under the water
and you’re
not out of the water...
the only
thing you know
is you’re not dead yet.

Ignore that expiration date!

Full disclosure: I’ve known Jane Stahl, co-editor of The Boyertown Area Expression for years and she’s always been more than supportive of any writing project I’ve come up with and this one’s not any different.

Full disclosure #2: When I approached Jane about maybe getting something in The Boyertown Area Expression about my new book, she said “put something together and do it in your own words and let’s see what happens...”

Full discl....aw, heck, enough of this disclosure stuff...I’m 72 years old and have been publishing my whole life, with several dozen books under my rapidly aging belt...but this new one feels different...I feel different...not only about this new book (which I’m very proud of), but about everything that has to do with my writing and maybe even with the way I look at the world. To be clear...this new book, THE STREET, is a look back, more than 50 years, at a place and time that is rapidly fading from memory. I wrote it to get down on paper what it was like for me growing up in the coal region in the late 50s and early 60s, less than wealthy, in a place that seemed to have a bar and a church on every corner and the smell of stuffed cabbage, potato pancakes and kielbassa coming out of every kitchen on every street.

I like the book (very much), but in thinking about it I realized that I got out of it something much more than just the writing itself...it was a goal, for sure, but it also gave me something to look forward to every day. Something new and exciting!

Here I was (or am)...I’m 72...and I’m not spending my time making plans for any class reunion or (like Al Bundy) dreaming about some game-winning touchdown I scored back in ’69. No, I’m still thinking...still producing...still having fun. And I realized that even though I am of a certain age, I still have a whole lot more to give and a whole lot more to do! And there’s a whole ton of other “senior citizens” out there who can do the same as me...who can get up off their wrinkly old rear ends and do something.

Life’s too short and it shouldn’t end the day you retire! For me, I find I’m busier than ever. I’ve actually published more work and done more good than I did 20 years ago! I get up every morning and I’ve got a purpose and a plan and I’ve got energy and drive...and you (dear reader) can do it, too! Maybe you can’t write a book about it, but there’s tons of vital and interesting things available to you. Things you’ve always wanted to try or taste or feel or share!

Go ahead! What are you waiting for?

I know you want to do it...get out and live!

........................................
And while you’re at it...when you get to my page on Amazon, feel free to grab my latest book of poetry, PRESENT TENSE. The book, my 40th, is published by Anxiety Press, which also published THE STREET. (PRESENT TENSE can be found on Amazon, or ordered from your local bookseller.)

This slim volume contains all the trademarks for which Yamrus’ poetry is known...tight, crisp lines...snarky humor...and the often neo-noir settings that readers enjoy. To quote a recent review: “these aren’t your grandma’s poems!”

-From the Introduction:“In the humdrum of daily existence, John Yamrus exposes the extraordinary within the ordinary, weaving a complex portrait of human experience. His poetry doesn’t just skim the surface; it reveals the often-overlooked turbulence beneath everyday facades, suggesting that even the most mundane moments are steeped in profound significance. This collection stands as a testament to Yamrus’s keen grasp of the human condition.”

***
Several "B Inspired" podcast episodes with John Yamrus--who invited me to describe him to readers as "devilishly handsome in a puckish sort of way" --can be found on your favorite podcast platform. John is such a fun guest...and persistent...always eager to tell my audience about his latest projects. We hope you'll listen in while we chat.

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Studio B has published 10 anthologies of poetry, prose, and art from local writers and artists. Copies are available through Amazon and Lulu Press. Further details can be found on studiobbb.org.

The episode notes of the "B Inspired" podcast are available in a booklet featuring over 200 community members, artists, writers, and a few reflections about life today. Cover design by Susan Biebuyck.