lemonade vodka: Therapy Through Poetry

By Jamie Hoeft

Author's Note:

I wanted to take a moment to explain this book. My other books combined both poems about faith, family and life; including my struggles with mental health. In 2025 and 2026, I have decided to keep my faith and struggles with mental health poems separate. I wanted to have a more clear focus moving forward for my books.

To be honest, I almost decided not to publish this book because of the darker content. But I have come to terms with my struggles with mental health. It is part of who I am and my hope is to help people understand there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Through life there will be depression, joy, grief, love and if you can give yourself grace, you can have the best life imaginable. I hope you enjoy this book.

With love,
Jamie Hoeft 1-19-26

Introduction:

Vodka Lemonade, the seventh book of poems from the Amazon best selling author Jamie Hoeft, is something of a departure from his previous works. While his earlier books like Faith & Family, Hope, and even Thorns, all have heavy themes of faith and love. Vodka Lemonade strikes a darker tone. Faith and hope are still present, but more in the asking of "why?" without anger or malice.

With works like "The Disappeared Brother" and "Curled Up On The Kitchen Floor," Jamie takes his readers on a journey. A collection of works describing points in life, both the highs and the lows. Vodka Lemonade has something for everyone.

It does speak directly to us generation X'ers . With subjects such as depression, anxiety and loneliness, Vodka Lemonade tells our stories in a way that lets you know. You're not alone.

Jeff Grainger 1-18-2026

THE DISAPPEARED BROTHER
I'm not sure I was ever the best brother
Lord, knows that I haven't always been there
Something bothers me though
Now that you've disappeared
I wish you would reappear
We wouldn't have to talk about the shame
Or what is really bothering you
We could just talk about your job
It sounds like that gives you fulfillment\
We wouldn't have to talk about your resentment
Of mom or dad or your late ex
Or what is really bothering you
We could just talk
Talk about your friends
It sounds like you're having fun

The bottom line is that I miss you
I miss both of my brothers
You can't hide under the covers
Life will keep moving forward
Your daughter is waiting for you
If you do anything, call her
Reconcile again
You wouldn't have to talk about her mother
Or any other
You could talk about your grandkids
They brought you such joy
Just pick up the phone brother
Pick up the phone
Pick up the phone and call.

CURLED UP ALONE ON THE KITCHEN FLOOR
I've come to understand
How someone can take drugs
Or drink too much
The constant pain is suffocating
It's itchy and swirls around
Quietly, yet so loud
If for just a millisecond
The pain can be dulled
It might be worth the struggle
If for just for a microsecond
The manic nature could be stalled

It's never that easy
You start the pull
Ending with a pocketful
Of absolutely nothing
Still all you'll need is more
And more and more and more
More and more and more and more and more and more
Until your teeth are rotten
Your loved ones are forgotten
Curled up alone on the kitchen floor.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0GJC1YQD8
• ISBN13: 9798244692648
• Release Date: January 2026
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 84 Pages
• Weight: 0.48 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 8.5" x 11.0"