Los Angeles, California Jan 28, 2026 (Issuewire.com) - The Usefulness of Hippopotamus: A Humorous Chapbook for Trying Times by Vincent J. Tomeo offers readers a timely reminder that humor remains essential, even during life’s most difficult moments. Through a collection of lighthearted, observant, and warmly humorous poems, the chapbook affirms that laughter can serve as a powerful form of medicine for both the mind and the spirit.
Written during the COVID-19 pandemic, the chapbook emerged while Tomeo was navigating serious personal health challenges, including a battle with bladder cancer. Rather than dwelling on fear or despair, the author turned deliberately toward humor, beauty, and everyday absurdities. The result is a playful yet meaningful body of work that highlights joy in unexpected places, including the comical charm of hippopotami, while gently easing anxiety and emotional strain.
The chapbook emphasizes humor as a human necessity rather than a luxury. Tomeo’s poems find levity in ordinary moments, reminding readers that cheerfulness and laughter can coexist with uncertainty, illness, and global upheaval. This balance of lightness and sincerity allows the work to resonate with readers seeking comfort without sentimentality.
Vincent J. Tomeo is an accomplished poet, historian, archivist, and community activist with an extensive literary career. He taught American history in New York City public schools for 36 years and has been widely published in prominent literary journals and newspapers in the United States and internationally. His work has earned more than 100 awards, including international recognition, and several of his poems have been honored through unique public installations and educational initiatives.
The Usefulness of Hippopotamus: A Humorous Chapbook for Trying Times stands as a testament to the enduring value of humor in challenging periods. Through wit, warmth, and poetic insight, Vincent J. Tomeo delivers a collection that encourages resilience, contentment, and renewed appreciation for laughter when it is needed most.
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