Overview

Sojourns is a superb poetry collection by John Drudge, one of Canada's greatest living poets. These enchanting, multi-layered poems capture the excitement and cultural buzz of Paris Street life and every other place, infusing them with the poet's own personal journey of sage reflection. His scintillating prose seduces the reader into each memorable Sojourn of discovery as a kindred spirit. Drudge's poetry has an enduring depth of observational perception and inventive poetic language making Sojourns asumptuous feast of poetry. -Strider Marcus Jones - Poet/Editor of Lothlorien Poetry Journal John Drudge's verses tap into that timeless desire to see the world. At the same time, Drudge has readers reflect on what it means to be human. His verse unfolds these settings rich with descriptions and beauty. Drudge invites you on a journey, not just to see through his eyes, but for readers to explore their inner acres. How will you answer? Praise for Sojourns As the title implies, this collection of poems is about the journeys we undertake, both internal and external. John Drudge invites us to join him as he rambles around the globe. In the first half, he often travels with a beloved partner, and we become privy to their intimate moments. It was truly refreshing to read simple, unironic poems about love, beauty, and a healthy relationship. For a time, these poems take us on the perfect getaway, days and nights filled with romance, food, wine, culture, and breathtaking scenery. Through Drudge's eyes, we experience the special freedom that travel affords-not just being relieved of our usual burdens and routines, but the liberation that comes from being anonymous, which allows us to be more wholly ourselves. (And to get drunk before noon.) These poems are both introspective and expansive, wistful, imminently accessible, achingly human. Most of them are quite short, but they pack entire days of sightseeing into their brief lines. Then, around the midway point, the tone shifts. In Havana, the sight of old bullet holes in a wall reminds us that conflict is an ever-present reality. We see the ruins of Pompeii, and suddenly, anonymity takes on a new meeting-alone in a foreign city, we find ourselves alienated. At some point, we must confront the multitudes of people who've trodden these same paths before us-ordinary people with ordinary lives, just like us. Eventually, everyone achieves anonymity. Eventually, everyone is lost to time. Gently, Drudge has us face these unpleasant truths, before leading us back into friendlier territory. The final entries convey a sense of winding down as the poet brings us home-not just the physical place, but to the people we love, and above all, to ourselves. -Laura Scharhag, Moonlight and Monsters

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Growing up in both Canada and the Bahamas, John's upbringing has bestowed upon him a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature and the diversity of cultures. A dedicated M.S.W. social worker, successful entrepreneur, and Disability Management Specialist, John's educational journey has been one of unwavering commitment to others, having earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in social work, rehabilitation services, and psychology. Beyond his academic pursuits, John's passions also extend to the martial arts. With a third-degree black belt in Kenpo Karate, he embodies discipline, perseverance, and a thirst for self-improvement. The martial arts have not only shaped his mind and body but also mirror his approach to life - a holistic journey towards balance and mastery. He is the author of four books of poetry: March (2019), The Seasons of Us (2019), New Days (2020), and Fragments (2021), and his work has appeared widely in numerous literary journals, magazines, and anthologies internationally. John is also a Pushcart Prize and Best of the Net nominee and lives in Caledon Ontario, Canada with his wife and two children.

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