John McDermott is a New Jersey poet who has spent much time teaching and living in China and Japan. He is a retired professor of ESL and former poetry editor of US1 Worksheets. He has performed his work at the Dodge Poetry Festival and has served as a Dodge Poet, working with teachers and students for many years. His poems have appeared in magazines including Paterson Literary Review, Lips, and Frogpond. His first book, The Long Way Home was published in 2005 and the CD version published in 2010 by Everyday Path Press. His poem “Gone Fishing” was named honorable mention for the 2020 Allen Ginsberg Poetry Awards.