At 82 years old, poet Beman has released his first published collection, sharing poems shaped by a lifetime of work, love, setbacks and laughter.
Titled Facing Life with a Smile, the collection will be released on January 23rd 2026 and is available now for pre-order through Amazon, Waterstones, Barnes & Noble and other major booksellers.
The book brings together poems inspired by Beman’s own life journey, offering reflections that blend honesty, warmth and an enduring sense of positivity.
Beman was born in West Yorkshire in 1943 and grew up within a mining community. His mother worked as a weaver, while his father was employed as a bricklayer. He later pursued a career as a carpenter and site manager and married in 1971.
In 1990, a serious accident changed his life when he fell from a ladder. Multiple spinal surgeries followed, leaving him paralysed and requiring him to adapt to significant physical and emotional changes.
“After my injury, I found myself with time to spare, and I started to write poetry.” Shared Beman.
Poetry became a means of coping during his recovery, allowing him to reflect on trauma and find expression through words. Encouragement from family and friends helped turn his writing into a complete collection.
“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 the poems explore serious moments from Beman’s life, humour remains a defining element, providing balance and moments of levity throughout the book.
The collection is published by UK-based Maple Publishers, with creative design, illustrations and book layout handled by White Magic Studios.
