Area poet to sign newly released book
Bud Peka of Owatonna has released a poetry book, “Bud’s Book of Poetry.” He will be signing books on Saturday at Little Professor Book Center in Owatonna. Staff photo by Rick Bussler
It wasn’t until Bud Peka turned 90 that he became serious about writing poetry. And now at the age of 97, Peka is releasing his first book of what else—poems.
“Bud’s Book of Poetry” is an enjoyable collection of poetry that explores a variety of themes and experiences throughout Peka’s life, which began in 1926. He will be featured at a book signing Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Little Professor Book Center in downtown Owatonna.
“I have covered a broad spectrum of topics in my poetry: faith, hope, charity and love of God and neighbor, as Christ taught us to do,” said Peka, who lives in Owatonna with his wife Susan Hagen. “No two people see things the same, so I enjoy letting others see into my thoughts at the time a poem was written.”
Peka’s poems cover church holy days, life and death, sickness, human relations, nature, humor, the changing of seasons, the poor, the abused, the addicted, the homeless, pets and wildlife. As a World War II veteran in the U.S. Navy, Peka has always had a special spot in his heart for war and others who have served their country.
The book is described as a “complex anthology that offers something for anyone” by Christian Faith Publishing, the book’s publisher. Peka explores subjects both within the divine and secular realms.
Christian Faith Publishing says Peka’s book will challenge and inspire as readers reflect on the subtle nuances found within each installment. In addition to being available at most bookstores, Peka’s book can be purchased online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store or Barnes and Noble.
Peka’s poems have been regularly published in the Steele County Times over the past several years.
His poetry began when he wrote a poem for his mother on Mother’s Day when he was 7 years old. While Peka can’t recall the exact wording of the poem, it went something like this: “Rose was her name. I was her Bud. Roses have thorns, and I was a thorn in her side.”
Peka intermittently continued to write poems throughout the years, including his stint in World War II. However, the real obsession to poetry didn’t kick in until 2017.
“It unleashed on me… I can’t shut it off.”
For Peka, poetry writing keeps his mind sharp. “I would stagnate mentally if I didn't write poems” he admits.
Faith has been a major force in Peka’s life and poetry writing. He has suffered two heart attacks of which he wasn’t expected to survive. “I believe in miracles,” said Peka, a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Owatonna.
The poet has been waiting for several months to release his first book.
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“Bud’s Book of Poetry”
Who: Bud Peka of Owatonna
What: Book signing of newly released book
Where: Little Professor Book Center, 110 West Park Square, Owatonna
When: Saturday 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Other: Also available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other online retailers
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