"If Beowulf could, he would surely laugh at Johnmichael Simon's sparkling little ode to his literary image; however, he can't, but I can--and did--and so should you."

"A must-read for all intelligently evolved Homo sapiens who savor the challenge of tongue-in-cheek, mind-boggling dialect in mostly free-verses laced with scientifically sound-but-rollicking whimsy. A delightful, unforgettable treat!"


Wanda Sue Parrott
Co-founder of the National Annual Senior Poets Laureate Poetry Competition and director of Amy Kitchener's Angels Without Wings Foundation, Inc.

I: Good afternoon, Mr. Author


Z: You can call me Zar.


I: Is that your pen name?


Z: No, it’s acquired. Like Zircons.


I: How did you get to write Phyrrs, Hierwals and Bouldergeists?


Z: Well one day I was rummaging around looking for an old pair of running shoes and there they were.


I: The poems?


Z: No the Bouldergeists. They were inside the running shoes.


I: Seriously now, these poems are so quirky and queer, yet somehow so original and insightful. Where do you get your inspiration?


Z: Well, my grandfather would have called it perquincity.


I: I see. was you grandfather also a poet?


Z: No he was a Hierwal.


I: Many of your poems give the impression of hidden knowledge, almost as if they had been written by someone from another world.


Z: They’re angel poems.


I: You mean like angels with wings, flying down from heaven?


Z: No, not that kind. The ones that dance on the points of pins.


I: How very interesting. Do you have any favorite poem?


Z: Yes. Ozymandius.


I: Oh, did you write that?


Z: No. It was Shelley.


I: Some of your poetry is almost prophetic. Would you agree?


Z: Could we take a break now? Sit down. Would you like a coelacanth sandwich?








Johnmichael Simon has published three books of poems: "Sonatina" – (Ibbetson Street Press), "Bordwinot" and "Silly Wishes" as well as a collection in collaboration with partner Helen Bar-Lev: ‘Cyclamens and Swords’ – poems and illustrations about the land of Israel (Ibbetson Street Press).