A Decade with My Demons

In 1968, during an interview to promote the self-titled Beatles album (more commonly referred to as the "White Album"), Paul McCartney said, "I think people who create and write, it actually does flow-just flows from into their head, into their hand, and they write it down. It's simple." Well, "A Decade With My Demons" is what happens when I put a pen in my hand. I cannot explain how I produced the following poems. In a truly digital world, where ADD and anxiety dominate, putting a pen...
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In 1968, during an interview to promote the self-titled Beatles album (more commonly referred to as the "White Album"), Paul McCartney said, "I think people who create and write, it actually does flow-just flows from into their head, into their hand, and they write it down. It's simple." Well, "A Decade With My Demons" is what happens when I put a pen in my hand. I cannot explain how I produced the following poems. In a truly digital world, where ADD and anxiety dominate, putting a pen to paper allows me to quiet my mind and disconnect from the chaos that surrounds me and the thoughts that consume me.

All of the following poems (except one), were written over a 10 year period from 2008 through 2018. From high school through my late twenties, they are my most honest and vulnerable feelings and thoughts. They deal with heartbreak, hope, love, loss, life, and death. Each poem was written in "one take", within an hour (usually less). The only edits that were made were for grammar and clarity of thought.

Remember that nightmare where you're standing naked in front of your class and they're all laughing at you? Well, publishing my poetry is a lot like that. It's Jim Minardi uncovered, just as God made me. After years of being ashamed of who I am, I've decided to let the world see the real me. I hope you find comfort and even inspiration to do the same.