Tallahassee writer Hal Shows releases fourth poetry collection, 'Chanterelles'

Special to the Tallahassee Democrat
·2 min read

Redhawk Publications announces the release of "Chanterelles," the fourth poetry collection by acclaimed Florida songwriter and poet, Hal Shows. The collection, published on Sept. 18 under the Redhawk Publications imprint, showcases his perspective on life, love, and the human experience.

Shows' artistic journey began after graduating from Goddard College in 1980, where he embarked on a career as a professional musician and poet. Throughout his career, Hal has supported his passion by working on ships, in colleges and universities, and even in legal firms. Currently, he owns and operates Witchingstick, a recording studio located near Tallahassee.

Hal Shows new poetry collection was published Sept. 18, 2023.
Hal Shows new poetry collection was published Sept. 18, 2023.

"I began writing songs and poems as early as my high school days, and I never stopped," Shows said.

"Chanterelles" consists of a series of thought-provoking utterances and poetic musings, lovingly referred to as "Chanterelles." These pieces arise as spontaneous bursts of inspiration, much like the mushrooms from which they derive their name. While some have undergone refinement, many remain intact and whole, preserving their original essence as gifts from the author's lifetime of verse.

Hal Shows has a new poetry book, released Sept. 18, 2023.
Hal Shows has a new poetry book, released Sept. 18, 2023.

Shows expressed his hope that "Chanterelles" will resonate with readers from diverse backgrounds. "I hope they will appeal to readers of all sorts, but don't we all?" he remarked. "Let's say, to students of the pre-Socratic philosophers, and to those who know the difference between 'fishing' and knowing where to fish. And to all who love live springs."

Partial proceeds from "Chanterelles" will be donated to Equality Florida, an LGBTQ rights advocacy group. This commitment further reflects Hal's dedication to fostering equality and social progress through his art

Shows grew up in and around the beach towns of North Florida. He spent much of the 1970’s living in Florence, Italy, where he worked as a waiter, a salesman of gold and silver, a teacher of English, and a translator. He has released poetry and records including with indie-rock band Persian Gulf.

With the garage-rock ensemble Kangaroo Court, he has released the single “Grandaddy Yule” (1986), the album Masque, from the plague year 2021, and the EP Holy Cats in 2022. A new record from the band, Welcome to Foolscape, is due in October, 2023.

To order "Chanterelles" visit tinyurl.com/ChanterellesHALSHOWS. Redhawk Publications is an artistic initiative of the Catawba Valley Community College, publishing written works of interest for the local community, North Carolina, and the entire United States. Visit their website at redhawkpublications.com.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee writer Hal Shows releases poetry book, 'Chanterelles'