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Osage alumnus finds success as poet
by Warren Haacke, Press-News Reporter
Osage alumnus Mike Meyerhofer feels several experiences have contributed to his success as a poet and creative writer.
The 1996 Osage graduate attributes his love for writing to an early interest in reading that was cultivated by his father Don.
"For me, writing always went hand in hand with reading, and I became interested in reading at a very young age when my father gave me a boxed set of "The Lord of the Rings"," said Meyerhofer. "I then started writing my own (bad) stories," he chuckled.
Meyerhofer then turned predominantly to the art of poetry after the death of his mother Mindy. Mindy passed away 11 years ago.
"Writing was, for me, a way to make sense of my grief and also (hopefully) lend some assistance to others who might be going through similar emotions," Meyerhofer stated.
Since Meyerhofer began writing poetry and short stories in a more serious vein, he has become a recognized author in the United States and internationally.
"I've been fortunate enough to have published quite a few poems in magazines around the world," said Meyerhofer. "My first book, "Leaving Iowa", written around the time I left Iowa and moved to Illinois for grad school, won the Liam Rector First Book Award and came out a few years ago. My second book, "Blue Collar Eulogies", has been accepted for publication as well and is forthcoming in 2009. I've also published three chapbooks, all through contests (a chapbook is basically a shorter book of poetry)."
Meyerhofer grew up in and around Osage. His parents were Don and Mindy Meyerhofer. Meyerhofer has one older brother, Robert. His father Don remarried after Mindy's death and Meyerhofer's step-mother's name is Bernadette. Don and Bernadette still live in Osage. Meyerhofer has two step-sisters, Amanda and Aretha, and one step-brother, Marcus.
After graduating from Osage Community High School in 1996, Meyerhofer went to the University of Iowa and earned his Bachelors degree in English, graduating in 2000. "After that, I took a little time off and did factory and temp work to pay the bills," he said. "I then went to Southern Illinois University Carbondale and earned my Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing."
Meyerhofer continued, "I did all kinds of odd jobs when I was younger, but after I started graduate school I became really interested in teaching. I taught English classes at Southern Illinois University Carbondale for four years, then I moved to Ball State University in Indiana (Dave Letterman's alma mater) where I'm now in my second year of teaching."
Meyerhofer uses real life experiences as the basis for many of his poems and short stories.
"I've always had a deep admiration for the working class, so many of my poems center on the people and situations I encountered while growing up in Small Town, America," he stated. "I also have a real interest in history, science, and politics. I like collecting odd facts and historical tidbits that might not be common knowledge. Some of my poems are sad or angry, of course, but I try to work a lot of humor into my stuff, too, partially because I want it to be read and enjoyed by as wide an audience as possible."
Presently Meyerhofer is still single, "I'm an eligible bachelor," he laughed.
"Writing and teaching take up a lot of my time, but I still have a real interest in weight-lifting, thanks to my dad, said Meyerhofer. "It's great exercise, of course, plus I enjoy bucking the stereotype of the 90 lbs writer. I enjoy boxing, but I'm not that good at it. I also have this odd fascination with watching really bad movies (or good ones, but those are hard to come by)."
Meyerhofer continued, "Right now, along with teaching, I'm working on my third full-length book of poetry. I'm finishing up quite a bit of fiction, too, and I'm hoping to break into that market as soon as possible. When it comes to fiction, I like pretty much everything, but I'm mainly interested in science fiction and fantasy."
Below is one of Meyerhofer's poems:
In Memory of My Mother Tonight, I remember that woman I called God long before I knew the word. How she grew me in her private garden even after doctors warned another child would ruin her, said it would probably come out broken anyway. For years, my father dragged us through humid Iowa nights and the tent flaps of Baptist revivals, telling us to wring our hands for the impossible. His sickly bride and her mangled miracle, presented like shame before those hillbilly mystics swaying and fondling by the glow of neon crucifixions. I do not miss the allowances I sacrificed unto their wicker baskets, nor the clothes I outgrew anyway. But I have been close enough to wheelchairs. What more must I give now, just to hear her say: I am safe and happy in the Light? Tonight, I think the brain is a cemetery full of wildflowers but my heart is a distant hill where horses run. I write: I'd give anything to see you again, then hold my promise to a candle until smoke spills out the window, writing its message in ghostly calligraphy across the midnight blackness of heaven. When she sees, she will know it isn't true. And be grateful.
Other samples of works by Mike Meyerhofer can be viewed by simply typing "Mike Meyerhofer" on Google on the Internet.
Story created Oct 06, 2008 - 17:11:24 CDT.
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