Michael Hofmeister

Then Now Later Michael Hofmeister

Then Now Later is a short volume of poetry which explores the idea that the past, present and future are always present(s) in our lives. Using simple language and a free-flowing mixture of rhymed and unrhymed verse, the author visits each title theme (then now later) individually, but appears to emphasize the importance of living 'in the now' while still trying absorb the nutrients of the past so that the recipe for the future is created with care. The book opens with the famous lullaby 'Row Row Row Your Boat' which serves as a perfect opener for the piece because after a series of shorter poems, the book becomes and concludes with a lengthy stream of consciousness narrative written 'in the now'. Then Now Later is one installment in a continuing series of writing exercises the author started which include (as of now) three other works: U, Addition, and a collaborative linking haiku project entitled Linking - which was written mostly via text messaging with a friend (Joseph Eugene Davis). Besides being writing exercises - the author has stated that these projects also function as psychoanalytical tools similar to inkblot or word association tests. Expressed in another way - these exercises have the ability to give voice to the subconscious.