The bluesful energy reflected within Home of the Blues: Poems for the Spirit, Heart, and Soul provides the idea of the blues as a lifestyle residing in our daily spirits, love as a powerful force within our hearts, and motivation as a vehicle for our souls. The Blues section explores the origin of the blues along with the bluesy spirits of pain and deep thought. The Love section explores beautiful ideas about someone special or of something loved or heartfelt. The Motivation section is fuel for the souls of individuals desiring to be better, do more, see farther, or feel joy before, during, or after any struggle. Furthermore, this collection of poetry is only the beginning of Griffin’s efforts to help us to live our bluesful lives happily, to keep love centered in our thoughts and actions, and to keep our souls rejuvenated and motivated to conquer obstacles that so often hold us back for one reason or another.

Dr. Jo-Seph Griffin was born in the Home of the Blues, Clarksdale, Mississippi. His love for poetry, academics, and sports paved the way to escape the harshest conditions of the Mississippi Delta that so often plague one of the poorest regions in the United States of America. Earning a basketball scholarship to HBCU Coahoma Community College and to private, prestigious Belhaven University set the stage for earning English degrees that would be the cornerstones leading to an eventual PhD in educational leadership and research. Griffin’s sons, Joezon (23) and Jayden (14), have also been cornerstones for his development and growth as a human, and his service as a turnaround principal, teacher, and coach are attributes he holds dearly.