Hemingway and I – Exploring the Parallels of Our Lives and Journeys Through Whiskey and the Autumn Wind

In my upcoming poetry collection, Whiskey and the Autumn Wind: A Collection of Poems in Hemingway Tradition, I dive into the haunting echoes of Ernest Hemingway’s life, mind, and struggles, which resonate deeply with my own experiences as a combat medic, military veteran, and EMT. Hemingway’s time as an ambulance driver in World War I forever marked him with the shadows of trauma and the burden of mental health battles. My work as a full-time EMT with Lake Valley EMS has allowed me to witness those same shadows, making his influence on my life and writing profoundly personal. In his later years, Hemingway grappled with depression, deteriorating health, and a retreat from the world, finding solace in whiskey yet unable to escape his own mind. His story strikes a deep chord with me—not just because of his iconic works but because of our shared experience with darkness. After my own suicide attempt in 2004, I faced years of self-reflection and healing. By 2010, I too began to retreat from the world, shutting out others to avoid confronting the chaos within. Whiskey became both a comforting escape and a symbol of confrontation, and it was during this time that I started to pen poetry and short stories, using my words to process the storms inside. I became a pioneer in the self-publishing world, turning to writing as both a release and a way to build strength from my vulnerabilities. In this collection, I not only explore Hemingway’s legacy but also reflect on how his struggles mirror my own. There’s a kinship in our shared battles, a recognition of the weight we carry—of life, death, and the fragile balance of survival. Whiskey and the Autumn Wind is a tribute to those who have weathered storms, finding strength in their vulnerability, just as I’ve sought to do through these poems. The writing style of this collection pays tribute to Hemingway’s distinct voice—raw, direct, and unapologetic—while also capturing my own voice and modern, contemporary topics that speak to today’s generation. The poems in this collection reflect the journey from darkness to resilience, not only as a poet but as a man facing his own truths, armed with whiskey, the autumn wind, and the pen.