The Memory Box

John Swainston started writing poetry to cope with feelings of isolation during COVID. He learned the craft by taking classes through Turning Point, an organization for people living with serious illness. John found poetry to be a mainstay in his healing, growth, and community. He is a Member of the Mystic Poets Society and the Kansas City Writers Group. He conducts presentations on becoming a poet and the healing power of poetry for schools, senior centers, veteran groups, and community organizations. Several of his poems have been published in Veterans' Voices (Editor's Choice Award), eMerge, and the Journal of Expression Writing.