Misread Lines is a compilation of poetry written over the course of four years. It contains themes of romance, animals, nature, destruction, self-reflection, and internal insecurity. Each poem is episodic to the nature of the book itself, yet many share common themes. Beginning on December 20, 2012, and ending in December 2016, Misread Lines follows the growth of Thomas Shumate as a poet and, simultaneously, as a person. Each poem is an emotional chapter into the realm of his thoughts. Through colorful imagery, storytelling, metaphor, and strong adherence to slant rhyme, assonance, and alliteration, Thomas artfully portrays the conflict within himself and his life.
