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The Nobody
Everybody knows The Nobody because at Times Square anybody can be a star. If you have a story to tell, a song to sing or a gift to share, there is no other showcase place on the planet like New York City. If you want to see the world but lack the means, just come to New York City and you can watch parades of all humanity. If you want to climb to the summit and reach civilization's peak, New York City is where you need to be. In the hustle and bustle of Broadway, far below the brilliant billboards, underneath the star-studded marques, at the glass towers' bell hopping feet in the frenzy of all the action of New York City, The Nobody stands before the world with nothing more than a song and he sings, gloriously. The Nobody combines photographs with poetry and prose to tell the story of a humble street performer. This story is spoken in the poet's voice, not from the page, but in the city where he draws his inspiration. This poet's venue is right on the avenue. His stage is on the curb of the street. With his little book stand, he can move the world as his lilting songs touch the tender ears of the people passing in the shuffling traffic. In the cacophony of boisterous noise, The Nobody's exhaustless voice drips sweet music into the rush of this relentless river.
76 pages, Paperback
Published May 31, 2019
About the author
Garrett Buhl Robinson
22 books22 followersOn a cold February night in 1992, Garrett Buhl Robinson jumped on a coal train and embarked on a journey across North America. Over the span of a year, he hitchhiked the highways, rode the rails on freight trains and hiked 800 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail.
Eventually, Garrett settled in Portland, Oregon where he completed his first novel in 2000. Upon finishing the novel and unsuccessfully marketing the book, he left for Alaska to work at a salmon cannery to pay the debts he had accumulated with various book clubs. His cherished volumes of Proust's In Search of Lost Time put him over the edge financially, but he never hesitates to endure hardship for the sake of beauty.
After two summers in Alaska, Garrett moved to San Francisco where he composed two collections of poetry. One of these collections is illustrated with his own abstract vignettes. He also completed his second novel, Zoë.
In 2011, Garrett moved to New York City to further his literary career. While supporting himself at various jobs, Garrett composed his third novel, Nunatak, based on his experiences working in Alaska, and a book length poem, Martha, celebrating his love for performance dance.
In 2012, he began marketing his books directly to the public. In Midtown Manhattan, along 5th Avenue, he is frequently found reciting his poetry and singing from his musical.
After publishing two more collections of poetry, flowing stone and Broken Open, Garrett made his Off-Broadway debut performing his musical, Letters to Zoey, at Theatre Row in New York City. The musical is his adaptation of his second novel, Zoë.
Eventually, Garrett settled in Portland, Oregon where he completed his first novel in 2000. Upon finishing the novel and unsuccessfully marketing the book, he left for Alaska to work at a salmon cannery to pay the debts he had accumulated with various book clubs. His cherished volumes of Proust's In Search of Lost Time put him over the edge financially, but he never hesitates to endure hardship for the sake of beauty.
After two summers in Alaska, Garrett moved to San Francisco where he composed two collections of poetry. One of these collections is illustrated with his own abstract vignettes. He also completed his second novel, Zoë.
In 2011, Garrett moved to New York City to further his literary career. While supporting himself at various jobs, Garrett composed his third novel, Nunatak, based on his experiences working in Alaska, and a book length poem, Martha, celebrating his love for performance dance.
In 2012, he began marketing his books directly to the public. In Midtown Manhattan, along 5th Avenue, he is frequently found reciting his poetry and singing from his musical.
After publishing two more collections of poetry, flowing stone and Broken Open, Garrett made his Off-Broadway debut performing his musical, Letters to Zoey, at Theatre Row in New York City. The musical is his adaptation of his second novel, Zoë.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 30, 2025
I had the most incredible experience in Central Park recently, and it’s one I’ll never forget. I had been feeling a bit uninspired and stuck in my life, so I decided to take a spontaneous trip to the city to shake things up. As I was walking through the park, something caught my eye—there was a sign that read “Meet the Author.” It piqued my curiosity, and I walked over.
To my surprise, the man behind the sign was Garrett Buhl Robinson, a poet whose energy and warmth instantly drew me in. We started talking, and I felt like a spark was lit inside me. His presence was magnetic, and the way he spoke was unlike anything I had ever experienced. As he recited his poetry, I was mesmerized—not just by his talent, but by the passion, positivity, and humor he brought to every word. It wasn’t just poetry; it was an experience. You could feel the depth of his soul in every line, and it was impossible not to be moved.
What truly stood out to me was Garrett’s humility. Despite his obvious talent and the way he captivated everyone around him, he carried himself with such grace and genuine kindness. He wasn’t trying to impress anyone; he was simply sharing his art with the world, and that made it all the more beautiful.
In a world that often feels heavy, Garrett was like a breath of fresh air. His words filled me with a sense of hope, reminding me of the beauty in life and the power of creativity to heal and uplift. I walked away feeling so much lighter, grateful for that unexpected encounter.
I’ll always remember that moment and the way Garrett made my day brighter. I truly hope our paths cross again the next time I visit Central Park. The world needs more people like him—people who spread light and positivity through their art and their presence.
To my surprise, the man behind the sign was Garrett Buhl Robinson, a poet whose energy and warmth instantly drew me in. We started talking, and I felt like a spark was lit inside me. His presence was magnetic, and the way he spoke was unlike anything I had ever experienced. As he recited his poetry, I was mesmerized—not just by his talent, but by the passion, positivity, and humor he brought to every word. It wasn’t just poetry; it was an experience. You could feel the depth of his soul in every line, and it was impossible not to be moved.
What truly stood out to me was Garrett’s humility. Despite his obvious talent and the way he captivated everyone around him, he carried himself with such grace and genuine kindness. He wasn’t trying to impress anyone; he was simply sharing his art with the world, and that made it all the more beautiful.
In a world that often feels heavy, Garrett was like a breath of fresh air. His words filled me with a sense of hope, reminding me of the beauty in life and the power of creativity to heal and uplift. I walked away feeling so much lighter, grateful for that unexpected encounter.
I’ll always remember that moment and the way Garrett made my day brighter. I truly hope our paths cross again the next time I visit Central Park. The world needs more people like him—people who spread light and positivity through their art and their presence.
January 2, 2024
I'm visiting on my first trip to New York and I noticed Garrett sitting outside of the new york public library with his book stand. I really wanted to go up to him so I grabbed my friend and he greeted us with a welcoming smile and offered to perform one of his poems. He performed two separate poems for us and offered to sign the book we ended up buying. I finished it, and absolutely loved it. You can tell that he has been through tough times, but loves life. He for sure has a certain love for the city and people in it. His writing beautifully intertwines together. I felt I was reading something by someone who has found the secret of life and transcends beyond all humans trivial problems. I am so happy to have met him and if I find myself in new york ever again my first priority will be to stop by his stand again and buy another one of his books.
January 21, 2023
Had the pleasure of stumbling upon the author outside NYPL and it was such a pure experience. As soon as i got on the train, i opened it and couldn’t put it down (almost missed my stop lol)!! The poems are each so amazing and captured parts of humanity so beautifully. You know that fuzzy feeling you get when you read/experience/see something that speaks to you on such a personal level and know that’s it’s going to become a moment that shapes you as a person? Getting to talk to him for just a few minutes and hear him recite his poem and then getting to read them for myself has been the best part of visiting NYC. If you’re ever in Manhattan, please do yourself a favor and stop by his table if you spot him!!
February 16, 2023
Met the author yesterday. He told me he could recite any poem from this book by memory. I grabbed a copy, flipped it open, and announced the title of the poem. He promptly began reciting. I immediately bought the book afterward and spent more time talking with him.
This book reveals raw humanity through the eyes of an authentic human that bleeds beauty. The poems exude hope, realism, joy, and disappointment simultaneously. An impressive balance achieved by the author. Highly recommend this book.
This book reveals raw humanity through the eyes of an authentic human that bleeds beauty. The poems exude hope, realism, joy, and disappointment simultaneously. An impressive balance achieved by the author. Highly recommend this book.
December 3, 2023
I met the author in front of the NY public library and he was so kind and wonderful to talk to. He recited a poem from his book and I loved the authenticity of it so I bought it. The poems were great and give a raw look into the feelings and experiences of being a human, sometimes sad, sometimes happy, and sometimes very funny! In between the poems are parts of the author’s story which was fascinating. I couldn’t put it down! Highly recommend stopping by his table in front of the library.
September 12, 2023
I met Garrett on the street outside the NYPL - incredible man with a wonderful story
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews