Los Angeles, California Jan 28, 2026 (Issuewire.com) - The Usefulness of Hippopotamus: A Humorous Chapbook for Trying Times by Vincent J. Tomeo stands as a spirited reminder that humor remains one of humanity’s most enduring sources of strength. In a world often weighed down by anxiety, uncertainty, and loss, Tomeo’s chapbook delivers sharp observation, warmth, and well-timed laughter that gently restores perspective.
Written during a period of profound personal challenge, including the global COVID-19 pandemic and a serious health battle, the collection reflects a deliberate turn toward joy rather than despair. Tomeo’s poems explore humor not as escapism, but as a form of emotional medicine. Through playful imagery and thoughtful wit, the chapbook demonstrates how laughter can soften fear, lighten mental strain, and create space for hope to reemerge. Even the hippopotamus becomes an unlikely guide, reminding readers that joy can surface in the most unexpected places.
Rather than offering grand declarations, The Usefulness of Hippopotamus moves with a relaxed, conversational rhythm. Each poem arrives like a brief pause in the day, inviting reflection without heaviness. The chapbook celebrates everyday absurdities and small pleasures, allowing readers to reconnect with simple moments of delight that are often overlooked during difficult seasons.
Vincent J. Tomeo is an award-winning poet, archivist, historian, and community activist whose work spans decades. A former New York City public high school history teacher, Tomeo has been widely published in respected literary journals and newspapers, including The New York Times. His poetry has earned more than 100 awards and has been read internationally. One of his poems has been permanently sculpted into marble in Italy, a rare distinction honoring literary achievement.
The Usefulness of Hippopotamus: A Humorous Chapbook for Trying Times complements Tomeo’s acclaimed body of work by offering levity with depth. It affirms that humor does not diminish suffering, but instead provides a powerful way to endure it. The chapbook ultimately invites readers to smile, breathe, and remember that even in trying times, joy remains within reach.
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