The poetry in “Seeking Ordinary Joy” tells a story…
…one that traces the emotional arc from restlessness and doubt, to healing and happiness—a journey we all travel.
Featured in national literary journals
Six poems in DJ Murphy’s debut collection have been featured in national literary magazines, as well as another that received the People’s Choice Award from Art Alliance of Idyllwild.
“War Wears Two Faces” — Dulcet (Winter 2025 issue)
“In the Chattering” — Dulcet (Winter 2025 issue)
“What Will My Dog Return As?” — Orange Juice (July 2024 issue)
“Wind and Bear” — Last Leaves (Fall 2024 issue)
“What the BBC Could Not Have Known” — Last Leaves (Fall 2024 issue)
“The Book of They” — Ariel Chart (Spring 2023)
“Our Hidden Heart” — Art Alliance of Idyllwild award winner (2023)
About the author
Meet DJ Murphy
DJ Murphy’s poetry has appeared in The Raven Review, Last Leaves, Dulcet Literary Magazine, Ariel Chart, and received the People’s Choice Award from the Art Alliance of Idyllwild at its 2023 Imagery of Words Festival.
For the past 15 years he has been a guest lecturer at the University of California Irvine where he teaches the power of empathy in business. He received his degree in Journalism from Duquesne University, and later in his career, the university’s Excellence in Communications Ethics award for his work helping companies be more human-centered.
He lives in the desert in California’s Coachella Valley, serves on the board of the Palm Springs Writers Guild, and is a member of the Rancho Mirage poetry collective, The Wordkeepers.
Click below to see reader reviews
★★★★★
It’s not often that a collection of poetry examines the ordinary aspects of life and yet still inspires with wit, humor, and profound perception. This is a book I pick up and put down with a frequency that I find hard to shake. Murphy shows us that there’s value in the most ordinary things, and through his writing, he has an uncanny way of looking at our collective lives, as if he knows us personally.
★★★★★
Wonderfully natural and contemporary thoughts to refresh today’s weary and conflicted.
★★★★★
These poems and words are so needed in today’s world. It’s helping me find peace, joy, and acceptance in my day to day moments all while allowing me to feel the full spectrum of the human experience. Def recommend.
Seeking Ordinary Joy 