Los Angeles, California Jan 15, 2026 (Issuewire.com) - In his uplifting release, The Usefulness of Hippopotamus: A Humorous Chapbook for Trying Times, poet and author Vincent J. Tomeo offers readers a lighthearted escape filled with laughter and wit. Born out of personal struggles during the pandemic and a battle with bladder cancer, Tomeo’s collection of humorous poetry demonstrates the power of humor as a form of healing.
The inspiration for this chapbook struck unexpectedly when Tomeo, staring at a blank page, recalled the dancing hippopotamus in Disney's Fantasia. That whimsical image sparked laughter—and a poem. From there, The Usefulness of Hippopotamus was born, encouraging readers to find joy even in difficult times.
“Humor is medicine,” Tomeo says, reflecting on how writing these poems helped him cope with physical and mental anxiety during one of the most challenging periods of his life. This chapbook, filled with playful verse and observations on life’s absurdities, invites readers to do the same—to choose humor, seek beauty, and discover peace in laughter.
Vincent J. Tomeo, a native New Yorker from Corona, Queens, has recited his poetry across the globe, from the United States to Europe, Asia, and Africa. He is widely published internationally and has received numerous accolades, including Honorable Mention in the Rainer Maria Rilke International Poetry Competition. His previous works include My Cemetery Friends: A Garden of Encounters at Mount Saint Mary in Queens, New York, which celebrates life, history, and reflection.
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