Broke Stay Broke

"From the depths of financial despair to the radiant light of hard-won hope-a masterpiece that alchemizes personal tragedy into poems of universal connection." Before becoming an educator, Tim Stafford worked as a telemarketer, burger flipper, jiu-jitsu instructor, MMA referee, and print shop lackey. His book, Broke Stay Broke explores the world of the working poor, the world of second jobs, side-hustles, and accumulated debt. Stafford's poems are filled with insight and humor from someone who has lived through the struggle but still finds time to celebrate the come-ups. Through these poems, Tim illustrates the delicate balancing act of work, relationships, fatherhood, and art. Sometimes he gets it right, sometimes wrong, but the poems are always honest.