Synopsis

The scent of mountain sage. Learning to bake cookies. Overcoming a fear of heights. Identifying a special bird. All moments in time, often inconsequential, yet over the years becoming lodged in the memory until they need to come out, finding expression in the 101 poems in this collection. We are all one of a kind. Yet we share so much, especially when it comes to life experiences. Yes, those experiences are different but how we respond to them is what makes us whole. These short poems hope to capture both the uniqueness of we humans as well as how in many instances we are similar.

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Praise

With these poems, Jim Bates once again allows us to experience those honest, beautiful moments of life.  Jim pulls at our heartstrings, sharing moments of magic, love, and human bonding.   With a backdrop of the beauty of nature, these poems are exquisite. This book will take ages to read – not because of the length of the poems, but because each poem is so rich and packs such an emotional punch that we have to step back and gather ourselves after each read. Congratulations and well done Jim – this book needs sharing far and wide.” Ger White is an Irish poet and storyteller. “Newspapers On the Floor” and “Celtic Visions” are her most recent collection of poems.

The Alchemy of Then is a powerful book of poems that will move, inspire, and delight the reader by the transcendent alchemy of poetry. Jim Bates is a prolific writer I have great respect for. You will be glad that you read this book!” Justin Wiggins, Author of Tír na nÓg & Celtic Song

Jim Bates recalls moments in time with poems that lead you through the door of his imagination into such memories as summer mornings, classrooms, icy ponds, and building model airplanes. From childhood loss to adventure and joy, he explores emotions we have all experienced. Some life lessons are hard. Others are magical.  Each poem stands on its own, yet when read altogether, the author blends each piece into one another seamlessly. As he reflects upon baking oatmeal cookies with his mother, our own memory banks open, and we withdraw events from long ago. We, too, want to help stir the cookie dough. We, too, reflect on the fine line between life and death when a young boy falls into a lake and conjure up our own ghosts. And we, too, can enjoy a simple day cast in a simpler time. I did not want this book to end. Tonight, I will pour a cup of tea and remember…”The Alchemy of Then.” Alchemy indeed, as Jim Bates casts memories into gold.” Acclaimed author Sharon Frame Gay is the author of “Song of the Highway” and “Nomad Diner.”

Clothes Pole

Set firmly in the ground

It had its own spot in the backyard

A heavy-duty metal post with wooden arms attached

Held together with clothesline rope

A lever controlled it going up and down

A thing of mechanical beauty

Simple utility and grace.

His mother hung sheets from it every week

White cotton flags waving in the wind

The kids would run back and forth under it

“Get away from there!” she’d yell

Laughing they’d run away loving the game.

At night he lay in bed

Reading a Hardy Boys mystery

Listening to a baseball game on his silver transiter radio

Wrapped in those sun-drenched sheets crinkly and cool

Until lights out

Then snuggling in amid the aroma of outdoors

With just a hint of sunshine

Eyes slowly closing until finally

Drifting into peaceful sleep

Fresh summertime sheets flapping gently

In a tender dreamy breeze.

About the Author

Jim’s stories and poems have appeared in nearly five hundred online and print publications. His collection of short stories, Resilience, is published by Bridge House Publishing. Short Stuff, a collection of flash fiction and drabbles is published by Chapeltown Books. Periodic Stories, Periodic Stories Volume Two, Periodic Stories Volume Three – A Novel, and Periodic Stories Volume Four are published by Impspired. Dreamers, a collection of short stories, is published by Clarendon House Publishing. Something Better, a dystopian adventure novella, and the novel, The Alien of Orchard Lake, are published by Dark Myth Publications. In the fall of 2022, his collection entitled Holiday Stories was published by Impspired as was his collection of poetry, Haiku Seasons. In February 2023, Periodic Stories Volume IV was published, as was his collection of poems, The Alchemy of Then, both by Impspired. In June 2023, a collection of flash fiction, Dancing With Butterflies, was published by Impspired.In July 2023, his YA novella The Battle of Marvel Wood was published by Impspired. His short story “Aliens” was nominated by The Zodiac Press for the 2020 Pushcart Prize. His story “The Maple Leaf” was voted 2021 Story of the Year for Spillwords. He was voted December 2022 Author of the Month for Spillwords. He also reads his stories for Talking Stories Radio and for Jim’s Storytime on his website. He lives in a small town west of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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