I hope you remember Poems on loving, longing, and living

Josie Balka, 1993-

Book - 2025

"'I've never seen anyone at a public pool with a memorable enough body, good or bad, that I think about it ever again.' If this line sounds familiar, it's because you've heard it in the background of thousands of videos on social media--a humbling reminder from poet and radio personality Josie Balka that what's important in our lives now isn't necessarily what's important to us in the long run. I Hope You Remember, Josie's first book of poetry, includes this poem and over eighty others, some previously published and others never shared before. Every page in this collection hits home, rhapsodizing on universal experiences like jealousy, family relationships, complex body image, falling in and... out of love (with others and yourself), and the everchanging lens of nostalgia. With sparse, clear prose, Josie's poetry looks to bring forth deep feelings like grief, envy, apathy, joy, and, most importantly, hope." -- more