Tramp
My first book of poetry was released in July 2025.
Tramp. Poems like cockleburs caught in old woolen socks after long days of wandering. Poems hard and spare as seeds, with little crannies and hooks that might catch in a reader’s mind and be carried away. Lost fathers, strong mothers, beautiful daughters, loving wives. Hawks and gophers. Something thrumming in the world, through tree and granite, some pulse that can’t be stilled. Wounded students, their wounded teachers. These are poems of a scrappy survivor, a hearty mutt, wary of making much noise, explaining nothing, offering no program or compelling vision, at rest, at home.
Available at:
Finishing Line Press ($22.99 plus shipping).
Amazon ($22.99 with free shipping for Amazon Prime members).
Or email/Venmo me for a signed copy ($20 plus $5 shipping).
__________________________________________________________________________
Thumbalila
My granddaughter Lila “fell out of her mother’s pocket” (see book) on January 24, 2024. She was born 25 weeks into her mother’s pregnancy and weighed 1 lb. Because she came so early and so unexpectedly her parents hadn’t decided on her name, so for the first couple days I called her “Thumbelina” because she was so tiny. My book Thumbalila is a retelling of that classic story, set in the Napa Valley, and featuring some of the creatures that hang around our home. It was written in joyful celebration of our little girl.
Lila spent 322 days on her NICU journey, and met some wonderful doctors and nurses there. She is home with her mom and dad now, and thriving. She is the happiest baby.
Thumbalila is available on Amazon and you will get the best price and quickest delivery if you order it there.
If you would like a signed, inscribed copy, email and Venmo me (bshurmantine@gmail.com). A signed, inscribed copy (whatever message you request) will cost $17 paperback or $27 for hardback (both prices Include $5 for shipping).
Poems & Stories 