About John Mortola

I’m not sure whether you’re here to hear my pre-poetry story or the story of the poems, so I’ll give you a bit of both.

I have been a seeker all of my life. I have followed a thread of spiritual curiosity that has led me through teachings ranging from New Thought to Buddhism to the Vedas and several shamanic paths.

Like most people of my generation, I felt a need to accumulate money. In 2006, I escaped from a career in finance that allowed me to live comfortably in the early retirement that was a life-long goal. I have traveled extensively visiting 50 countries and currently live as a digital nomad predominately in the Western United States and Mexico.

The poems first appeared in 2007, in the style of Hafiz. I had been enjoying Daniel Ladinsky’s translations of the poetry of Hafiz for several years and got the impression that Hafiz was one of my ancient teachers. Then, quite unexpectedly, poems began to arrive.

At first, they came in a voice much like his. Later, they began sounding more like me. The poems flowed in moments of insight or emotion, felt deeply personal, and for a long time, I kept them to myself.

Over time, I realized they weren’t just reflections, but companions directing me in my spiritual journey. They helped me make sense of what I was feeling, what I was learning, and who I was becoming. Like a journal written in metaphor and rhythm.

They come through largely as they are presented here. They allow only slight editing which I assume to be corrections in the way I recorded them. For this reason, I have chosen not to hammer them into someone else’s idea of what is commercially publishable. So, they are a bit raw at times, lyrical at others, sweet, nasty however they come, I write them down.

Over the years the few people who have read them have encouraged me to publish. And now, I offer them here with the expectation that they will stir something in you, as they did in me.

Thanks for being here .... with us.