After journaling poems for the last 15 years, Madison College instructor Guy Thorvaldsen has released his very first book of poetry titled, “Going to Miss Myself When I’m Gone.”

Thorvaldsen is an accredited writer, with his poems having been published by numerous magazines. He was a nominee for the 2017 Pushcart Prize.

Thorvaldsen has an acute mind and a strong ability to collect and interpret life experiences, which makes his book endearing, emotional, and full of wonder. These experiences are so vast, but so simple that it makes life feel precious, and challenges time itself. Thorvaldsen is a journeyman at heart, and from his years as a young boy, to his trade as a carpenter, and now turned writer, Thorvaldsen leaves no stone unturned.

Thorvaldsen explained that poetry, as a medium for communication, encapsulates his thoughts and emotions and allows him to reminisce on his own life, and take the time to thank and comment on what it has given him.

He reflects on touching moments, from time with his family to watching the neighborhood street cleaner every day, where Thorvaldsen’s curiosity and passion for the world is exemplified.
Thorvaldsen said his book is “really more about exploring things that I notice in the world that are interesting, particularly about being human, what it takes to be a good person, what it takes to be an awoke person.”

“To me, writing poetry is really about finding the interesting, and the wonderful, and the tragic of life, and regardless, it’s all part of this life, that I call my life, so for the most part it’s interesting to me.”

Thorvaldsen sees the world in such a profound way, that every poem grasps your imagination and makes you think differently about many things that go unnoticed in daily life.

Through the perspective of a father, husband, friend and stranger, Thorvaldsen intensifies every moment and emotion that made him tick. Thorvaldsen brings hope and imagination back to the world with his poetry.

Thorvaldsen was hesitant to release his work to the public, and said that his biggest challenge in finally publishing his poems was to believe and have confidence in his work.

Thorvaldsen expressed, “Getting out of my own way and trusting my voice, to really not succumb to those moments when I feel like these poems aren’t ready, or they’re not good enough, or there is a whole lot of poets out there that are much better writers than myself.”

While he got over that hump, Thorvaldsen also gave advice to young writers, saying, “It’s finding that trust in ‘this is how I see the world, this is how I interpret the world, this is the way I use language.’” In addition, he spoke on the importance of sharing your work and finding feedback, joining writing groups, and not to be too precious about your work.

Thorvaldsen’s poems are truly worth the read, and goes beyond a simple telling of one’s journey. It is an interpretive and creative take on life’s greatest virtues, and gives meaning and clarity back to the regular day-to-day.

If you want a copy, Thorvaldsen’s book is available on Amazon, or you can get one personally by email.