Michael De Vito Jr.
See for yourself
I’m trying to make a long story a poem
Background
Michael’s work excavates the raw intersections of trauma, addiction, and fractured relationships, ripe with desperation to hang on to the ‘good times.’ The work is presented through the cracked lens of a failing American Dream. The poems and stories deliberately challenge conventional narratives, to make the reader uncomfortable in ways that prompt reflection. He intentionally employs common everyday language, clichés and all.
Biography
Michael is a native New Yorker, once transplanted to subtropical Asia for over a decade and returned to be a community leader, educator, long-distance runner, coach, yogi, writer, poet, and family devotee.
Books
Burnt Tongues
Features the short story ‘Melody.’
Burnt Tongues is a collection of transgressive stories selected by a rigorous nomination and vetting process and hand-selected by Chuck Palahniuk, bestselling author of Fight Club, as the best of The Cult workshop. These stories run the gamut from horrific and fantastic to humorous and touching, but each leaves a lasting impression. Some may say even a scar.
“How could you believe me
when I never tell you how I really feel?”
~ From the poem, “Hold My Pen”
Upcoming Appearances
Poetry in the Park
Saturday August 2, 2025 — Ferry Hawks Stadium, Staten Island
Poetic Drip Open Mic – Featured Poet
Saturday, November 8, 2025 —ETG Cafe, Staten Island
Michael De Vito Jr. 