We Gave It Away: A collection of poetry and narratives

by Mike Simpkins

In this blended poetic narrative, Mike Simpkins presents a series of personal impressions that venture between the abstract and realistic to portray his experiences as a member of the Marching Dukes of Marlington, a third-chair mellophone player between the years of 1985 and 1988.

From the first day of marching band practice, to the exaltation of a national championship in 1986, and through the crushing loss and questions in 1987, this vivid testimony speaks directly to the heart and answers the question of why this still matters.

More then just a marching band memoir, the author artfully blends devices in poetry, autobiographical narrative, and from short stories to form a vibrant literary mosaic that draws the reader into the world filled with the musical beauty that dramatically transformed the lives of students at the small rural Marlington High School outside of Alliance, Ohio.

The most significant lesson learned in the experiences recalled in this book had little to do with musical technique, it is declared in this narrative that: 'We Gave It Away.'

86 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 10, 2016