Michael J. Wilson’s Still Dancing by Peri Hayes
Still Dancing is available at Amazon, as well as the local I.D.A Highland Drug Mart. Mike is looking forward to connecting with the fellow poets of our society, as well as anyone who has supported or been motivated by his authentic work and deepest passion.
Michael J. Wilson, otherwise known in the lakeside village as Mike, released an outstanding work of poetry titled Still Dancing . Last spring, Mike celebrated with a book launch at Port Stanley Royal Canadian Legion Branch 410. With a dancing metaphor that effortlessly weaves through this work, Mike candidly shares, “I wasn’t able to write for quite a few years: I suffered a brain injury and had to start all over again. Still Dancing is me coming back.” Asked by doctors what he was eager to achieve during his journey to recovery, Mike promptly asserted, “To continue writing.” Through channelling his work ethic in commercial fishing, Mike has proudly fulfilled his goal. Still Dancing is a compilation of poems written over several years. There are two distinct parts in the book; the 17 poems in ‘Souvenirs” focus on the fishing culture in Port Stanley, while ‘Stagecraft’ with 21 pieces, covers a variety of subjects. While describing his poetry as eclectic, Mike details the ways in which he enjoys dedicating attention to the rhythm in his work. He confides confidently, “I like to write in such a way that I let the imagery create the form. If it’s a sonnet, then it will be a sonnet. If the poem is a free verse, then it will be that.” Mike reveals that, inspired by the energizing life and insightful people in this community, he often writes on the water. Running into residents and developing new connections in his hometown brings the accomplished poet abundant pleasure. Mike is known by his friends as a lifelong writer -- a ‘lifer’, a poet who persevered and refused to succumb to pressure. Mike fondly expresses, “Poetry is a dance between the writer and the reader. I love the art of poetry, so I studied it for my whole life.” The book’s cover image originates from a photograph of Mike and his grandson. Due to his mother’s adoration of this moment, she recreated the picture in a painting.
Locally Owned and Operated
519 631-5450 StThomasRentAll.com
To advertise here, please contact Geoff@villagerpublications.com
Port Stanley Villager • October 2023 • Page 3
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs