My good friend just released a book! To celebrate, he’s hosting a poetry performance over Zoom and invited me to read some of my own poetry at the virtual event. I received a copy of his book last weekend and I’ve been through it twice now already. I’m excited to support him and this powerful creative expression of his.

Tobin Kriwiel, my friend

Tobin (Toby, or “Tob,” to me) and I have known each other since high school. He's someone utterly full of life. Toby takes every opportunity to revel in the sweetness of a moment. He's also not afraid to let a difficult time be a difficult time. And the man knows how to throw a celebration (I would know, he planned my bachelor party).

Toby often goes places, asks questions, and does things no one he knows ever has. I admire this about him. He is endlessly dissatisfied with the status quo, yet careful and considerate in his pursuit of the realm beyond it. Part of Toby’s magnetism is the soft kindness and inspiring bravery that you can see swirling together in his eyes when you talk to him. He speaks intentionally, feels deeply, and I'm convinced he has never done anything half-heartedly in his life.

I'm proud to call Tobin a friend. He also happens to be a wonderful poet.

As far as I'm aware, Toby and I began writing poetry at similar times. We often talk at length about it as a hobby and an art form. I can name several times we have both been brought to tears — sometimes due to laughing, more times from feeling — while sharing writing of our own or that we appreciate. Attending poetry readings, open mics, and talking about creativity (lately over Zoom) with Toby have become a favorite pastime of mine. I'm so grateful to share my poetic journey with such a good friend. I'd wish this kind of friendship on anyone.

It was a thrill to watch Tobin release his first book, The Path Forward is Behind Me, and now his second, the field.

A poem from the field: Hood River by Tobin Kriwiel

After my first read through the field, two poems immediately stuck with me, seeping into my conscious and subconscious mind. One was a poem Tobin wrote for his son; the other was Hood River which, to me, is a very personal commentary on what it's like to live with, hate, try to change, and ultimately accept something about yourself. Specifically, this poem puts words to the relationship one can have to the color of their skin — in this case, whiteness.

I was lucky enough to visit Toby's home recently, where I was able to see the main subject of his book, and several supporting characters. We walked the winding path of the field that's shown on the cover in a beautiful painting by his wife. I met the mulberry tree, the corn, many species of plants and flowers, a few ticks, and even a dead snake. For a brief couple of hours, we were inside the story. Please do yourself a favor and step in with us.

You can get your own signed copy of the field now, directly from Tobin.

You’re invited to: A Backyard Poetry Performance (on Zoom)

To celebrate the release of the field, Tobin is hosting a poetry performance on Zoom, from his backyard.

It's always a treat to see and hear a poet perform their own writing. I'm looking forward to watching Toby put his personal spin on the words I've been reading from him.

He has invited me to perform during the event, so I'll be sharing a poem from my own book in progress.

I hope you'll join. It should be a fun time! Here are the details:

• Date: Friday, July 10th, 2026
• Time: 8PM Central
• Location: Zoom

Use the button below to go to Toby's website where you can RSVP and grab the Zoom link at the time of the performance.

See you there!

🌿 Benny