23rd Dec...Poetry for Christmas
Poems For My People: Community, Volume 3 is finally here!
Oh, my gosh…so much JOY (to the world!!!) that I share with you that my third collection of poetry Poems For My People: Community, Volume 3 has ACTUALLY been published.
It’s been a long time coming. But, as one of my writing friends often reminds me, writing takes as long as it needs. And, I’m very much a human and I don’t use AI to write poems when I’m writing on my typewriter. I write at a human pace.
And, since it’s Christmas, I’m beaming at the JOY it is to open a box and see books with my name on them, that I wrote, with my very own words inside! Ahhh! So cool…”The Yellow Book” is finally here (!!!) and available to purchase online via other online bookshops as ebook and hardcover. This baby arrived into the world November 30, 2024.
When I officially ordered my own personal copies I cried. Such an accomplishment. I hope when you receive your own copy that you buy from the bookshop that you have joyous tears, too.
If you want a signed-by-me-the-author copy, buy my book here. :) Otherwise it’s available via online bookshops—or, ask your local independent bookstore to order you a copy!
Here's a photo of me with my “I’m writing poetry” face on. :) This is what I look like with my typewriter whenever I’ve been out poetry busking at Yellow Bike Coffee in Duluth, Minnesota. I think I look like a poet.
Grab a coffee and visit these lovely Yellow Bike Coffee People at:
4411 Venture Avenue (near the airport)
Duluth, MN 55811
U.S.A.
or
600 E Superior Street (in Fitger’s)
Duluth, MN 55802
U.S.A.
Find out more about Yellow Bike Coffee joy on their website here:
https://www.yellowbike.coffee/.
Oh, and if you weren’t sure why I call it “the yellow book” it’s because it’s the third in a series of Poems For My People. I’m creating a rainbow of a collection—because I thought it’d look amazing on your bookshelf!
As a celebration to share with you that Poems For My People: Community, Volume 3 is (wahoo!!) finally out…here’s a mini-essay, a “Coffee Chat…” Just pretend like we’re sat in a coffee shop together (like Yellow Bike in Duluth) and we’re having a chat about why I’m sat there with my typewriter.
Here’s… “Feeling Insecure.” Enjoy!
Why do you feel so insecure?
Hah! This is a great question. I probably shouldn’t. At the time of writing this little chat with you, I’ve written several hundred poems for individual people–like I’m nearing 1,000, closer than I realize…which is crazy! And basically, every single person I’ve written a poem for has been a home run. But, there have been a couple of exceptions.
Someone in a waiting room didn’t really want a poem, but was bored and said something like, yeah sure whatever, answered my questions, but then left the poem I typed. That feels sad and on weaker emotional days for me, I can take that as a personal rejection.
Also, the amount of people who walk by me with my typewriter and laugh is innumerable–like so many people laugh or giggle as they pass by…I have to remind myself that they are probably just emitting a sound of joyful surprise because it’s so unusual to see a vintage typewriter–especially being used. Or, it's maybe a social awkwardness that their giggles are from being nervous, themselves.
And then there are so many times I’ve felt vulnerable, sitting like an object to be looked at–but not valued as a human, or for sure as an artist. I’ve had people tell me they can’t afford a poem, but then order a second coffee and second piece of cake. Humans are odd and many people don’t realize the impact their actions have on others…so sometimes I feel insecure based on how people treat me.
Yellow Bike Coffee has been hosting me as Typewriter-Poet-in-Residence for two years and has made space for the writing of poems in each of the red, orange, and now, yellow collections, Poems For My People: Community, Volumes 1, 2, and 3. I’ve written and shared a couple hundred poems with Duluthians and visitors alike who have strode through Yellow Bike Coffee’s doors.
The impression Shannon, her team, and their beans have left on me is deeper than a coffee stain, more beautiful than a perfectly poured cup of latte art, more invigorating than a shot of pure espresso…and, it is so much fun!
I hope and pray you experience some of this in the pages of Poems For My People: Community, Volume 3. It truly is a special collection.
With lots of poetry love,
I wish you very happy reading!
Molly
Wahoo! You can buy my book here. Yay!
P.S. Here I am posing with an autumnal beverage and my trusty typewriter in Yellow Bike Coffee. Stay tuned for more creativity avalanche and poetry joy.