John Davis Jr.
John Davis Jr.’s fifth collection of poetry praises the dusty morning light of citrus farming and the pleasures of fatherhood as it explores the darkness of places like the infamous Dozier Reform School in Florida’s panhandle. Intertwining past and present with rural life, social justice, and the value of family, The Places That Hold offers readers a glimpse into the lesser-known corridors of the Sunshine State.
The Places That Hold was awarded bronze in the 2021 Florida Book Awards.
Davis is a Florida poet and educator. His poetry has appeared in dozens of literary journals internationally, and he has won many writing awards including the 2021 Sidney Lanier Poetry Prize. He holds an MFA from the University of Tampa and has taught literature and writing at secondary schools and colleges for nearly 20 years.
