Medium’s Hidden Gems
Some great writers you may have missed
Alright children, I’m going to do something a little different today. I’m going to take a break from gazing at my own navel (what do you expect, I’m a writer) and show some love to my favorite Medium writers.
You can accuse me all you want of shameless tagging and baiting for clicks. I really don’t care. This is not about me.
The truth is these pieces I’m about to mention are damn good and deserve a shout out, if only to wake up all of you other navel gazers who have a propensity to gaze too long at your own stories and stats.
I write mainly poetry and satire myself, so forgive me if my list of recommendations fall heavily under these two categories. There are a couple of exceptions, too.
I’ll begin with one of my favorite humorists on Medium, Brian Lageose. This Oklahoma born satirist, whose deliciously droll, understated humor recalls writers like John Cheever or James Thurber, only self-publishes, and, in my mind, deserves a far bigger following than he so far has. I’m going link two of my favorite short little gems below.
Next up is the bruising, brazen, beautiful poet, Rachel K. Gause. Here is a poet with rhythm and who has a way with words that will make even seasoned poets feel like kindergarteners. For me she conjures up a writer like Toni Cade Bambara or Jean Toomer. I’m going to share two of my favorite pieces below:
Next up is a poem I want to share from the Canadian writer, Drea Burbank. It touches on sexism in the medical profession, and is an exquisitely written piece that sent chills down my spine. Here it is below:
If you are looking for a poet who makes you think, look no further than the deeply philosophical Obinna Uruakpa, a poet who does not shy away from the bigger questions about life and death. He also has a wicked sense of humor (just see what he does with Will Smith and Chris Rock quotes in the second piece below). Here are two of my favorite pieces:
The next writer I’d like to share is the expat writer and photographer, GE McKerrihan, who has written a gorgeous piece highlighting the hidden beauty of Oaxaca City, using both his camera and his pen. Here it is below:
Another poet that will make you dig under the skin and think is Nikolaos Skordlils. He doesn’t shy away from classical themes. Here is one of my favorites below:
Another poet you need to check out is the editor of iPoetry (ironically, one of the few Medium publications I’ve yet to submit to), GB Rogut. One poem in particular nailed for me something raw and core about the creative process when writing authentic poetry. Here it is below:
Another writer to keep an eye on is the professor in German language and literature, Renata Fuchs, a writer with depth and feeling who offers fascinating insights about every day things we take for granted, like willow trees, as shown in the piece below:
Next up is a zinger from the satirist, Patrick Metzger, who had me belly laughing with the HR department’s memo to the everyday working schmuck, Sisyphus. Here it is below:
Have you ever felt you were stripped down or given the 3rd degree by your automated checkout machine at the grocery store, even to the point of being psychoanalyzed? Check out MaryJo Wagner’s hilarious piece below:
Brace yourself for this next poem by Aparna Singh, which dares to walk through the heart of death:
The last writer you need to check out is Annie Trevaskis, who will disarm you with the directness, honesty, pain, and wisdom of her words. Check out the poem below:
That’s all for today. I’ve got plenty more on my list, but this is a good start. I will aim to do at least one of these per month, as I hate to see brilliant pieces go unnoticed. Also it takes me out of myself for a bit and it is frankly fun to share. 🙏
© Carlo Zeno 2022
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Thanks for reading. If you like this piece and are curious about my own poetry and satire, I will share one each below. If you’d like to support further, consider buying me a coffee. Thank you 🙏
