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2024 O’Hara Prize Winning Poet Art DuBois Publishes first Poetry Collection

November 11, 2025 by Irena Kaci

Art DuBois, a lifelong resident of Uxbridge, Massachusetts, has published his first book of poetry, which also features his own nature photography.


Desperate Souls, Hopeful Hearts is a heartfelt collection of poems that gently explores life’s struggles, losses, and pains with raw honesty and a voice uniquely Art’s own. Each poem reaches into emotions we all recognize, leaving readers with a sense of deep connection and understanding. Though some poems have moments that can be experienced as heavy, a constant thread of hope runs throughout the book as a reminder that love has the power to comfort, heal, and light the way forward. Complementing his poetry are dozens of evocative photographs taken by Art himself. Together, the words and images create a powerful experience that speaks to both the heart and the spirit.

Art DuBois is a 68-year-old career clinical social worker who has worked as a psychotherapist, and in the Public Defender’s Office, and in management positions in the human services field. Art has been involved for years in town affairs as a member and chair of the Select Board, and other governmental and political activities. His interest in poetry and photography have clearly overlapped. About ten years ago he began a nearly weekly mindfulness practice that included long walks on a nature path along the ocean,. This lead to his return to writing poetry and to begin enjoying capturing with his camera the beauty of nature. He cites Mary Oliver as his main inspiration. His own poetry is not only heavily influenced by his mindfulness practices but also his life’s work of helping others. Desperate Souls, Hopeful Hearts is currently available on Amazon.com as a hardcover, paperback, and e-book. It will soon be available on other platforms.
Art is married to Susan, and they have three adult children.

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