Far From New York State

Matthew Johnson's second poetry collection recounts and weaves a history of both New York State, from the farmland and villages of Upstate, to the Hudson Valley suburbs and the metropolis of the City, as well as a story of home, featuring a writer who reflects on his personal and familial connection from his original home state. Reflecting on a variety of subjects, such as the Harlem Renaissance, the 1986 Mets, and the apple orchards near the St. Lawrence River, "Far from New York State," is a collection that mixes together race, history, region, and pop culture, and how they are all intertwined to create the idea of home.

Matthew is a poet, editor, and author of the poetry collections, "Far From New York State" (New York Quarterly Press) and "Shadow Folk and Soul Songs" (Kelsay Books). Among selected journals, Matthew's poetry has appeared or is forthcoming in The Roanoke Review, Maudlin House, The Maryland Literary Review, The Northern New England Review, Up the Staircase Quarterly, and elsewhere. Matthew, who is a three-time, Best of the Net nominee, is also the managing editor of the literary magazine, Portrait of New England, and poetry editor of, The Twin Bill.