Misread Lines

About the Book

Misread Lines is a compilation of poetry written over the course of four years. It contains themes of romance, animals, nature, destruction, self-reflection, and internal insecurity. Each poem is episodic to the nature of the book itself, yet many share common themes. Beginning on December 20, 2012, and ending in December 2016, Misread Lines follows the growth of Thomas Shumate as a poet and, simultaneously, as a person. Each poem is an emotional chapter into the realm of his thoughts. Through colorful imagery, storytelling, metaphor, and strong adherence to slant rhyme, assonance, and alliteration, Thomas artfully portrays the conflict within himself and his life.

About the Author

Thomas Shumate is a single father who works at a grocery store in Minnesota. His poetic influences include a wide variety, from classic poets like Edgar Allen Poe and Robert Frost to modern hip hop artists like Aesop Rock. He has previously published poetry in the Normandale community college literary magazine, The Paper Lantern, where he attended school.