Publishing his first book at the age of 82, poet Beman shares a reflective and uplifting collection that draws on decades of lived experience, shaped by work, family, adversity and humour.
Facing Life with a Smile, Beman’s debut poetry collection, is scheduled for release on January 23rd 2026 and is currently available for pre-order through Amazon, Waterstones, Barnes & Noble and other retailers.
The collection brings together a series of deeply personal poems that look back on the author’s life with warmth, gentle wit and an enduring sense of optimism.
Beman was born in West Yorkshire in 1943 and raised in a close-knit mining community. His mother worked as a weaver, while his father was a bricklayer. He later built a career as a carpenter and site manager and married his wife in 1971.
In 1990, his life took a sudden and dramatic turn after a serious fall from a ladder. Following multiple spinal surgeries, Beman was left paralysed and faced the challenge of adapting to an entirely new way of life.
“After my injury, I found myself with time to spare, and I started to write poetry.” Shared Beman.
During his recovery, poetry became a way to work through trauma and make sense of the changes he was facing. What began as a private practice gradually developed into a body of work he shared with family and friends, who encouraged him to keep writing.
“Making people smile was always my main aim. Most of what I’ve written is true to life, and when people told me they enjoyed my poems and encouraged me to write a book.” Benman added.
Although many of the poems explore deeply personal moments, humour runs throughout the collection, offering balance and lightness alongside honest emotional reflection.
The book is published by UK-based Maple Publishers, with cover design, illustrations and layout created by White Magic Studios.
