Let’s Do Lemonade
Poems to Affirm Truth and Inspire Hope
by David A. McAdam

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What does it mean to lead a life of hope, faith, and virtue? When faced with a world with less and less of a shared concept of truth, where do we turn? And when life gives us lemons, what can we do? Through this collection of stylistically diverse poems, author David A. McAdam suggests we can make lemonade out of even the barest of circumstances, and welcome others to engage in rich conversation over a cool, refreshing drink. Broken into eight thematically organized sections, these poems move us through the steps it takes to “do lemonade”—from inviting to savouring to refilling—reminding us of the universal values we can all lean on, whether we are facing highs or lows. Through these varied poems, readers are invited to reflect on changes in themselves and their relationships, to honour and give thanks for what they have, and to face challenges with grace and humility. Drawing on his Christian and Caribbean roots, his poems ultimately serve to affirm the value of faith, lighting a candle against the darkness of the post-truth world.

www.davidmcadam.ca

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"Let’s Do Lemonade is a vivid and compelling poetic work. McAdam’s poems invite our minds and hearts to deeper reflection on urgent questions about goodness, loneliness, doubt, prejudice, gratitude, friendship, and faith. “When you speak/,” McAdam enjoins us, “Do so with purpose / Let your words be a beacon / Not necessarily to fill a room / But to engage, enlighten, or satisfy a welcoming soul.” By that measure, McAdam’s purposeful book is a bright beacon indeed." —Dr. Nathan Ballantyne, PhD, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Cognition, and Culture, Arizona State University "This masterful collection of poetry is an introspective journey of self-reflection and enlightenment. The perfection to which David uses thoughtful, creative, and expressive language to invoke a wide array of emotional responses is truly remarkable. I already have my favourites as they speak to my own life experiences and I’m sure this wonderfully artistic compilation will do the same for you!" —Dr. Catherine Casey, PhD, Associate Professor, Faculty of Education, University of Manitoba "Let’s Do Lemonade is a wonderful celebration of life in all its fullness. Weaving together poetry, wisdom, vulnerability, acceptance, prophetic creativity, joyful courage – and, at times, a lovely dose of whimsy – David McAdam offers the reader a beautiful invitation into meaningful reflections and conversations about so many dimensions of what it means to live fully, honestly and well." —Rev. Dr. William Ingram, M.Div., D.Min., Senior Minister, St. Andrew’s Church, Toronto "Cultural integration is fostered by total education. This is not training but learning which facilitates communication and helps us to nurture a positive moral center. This poetry collection provides the foundation for authentic education. Thank you, David McAdam, for your revelation and for fostering a new epiphanic experience." —Dr. Jacqueline Goffe-McNish, Ed.D., Professor Emerita of English and Humanities, Dutchess Community College

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David A. McAdam is a Jamaican-Canadian educator, community volunteer, social advocate, and poet. He was recognized in 1998 by Canada’s National History Society as a top-ten finalist for the Governor General’s Award for Excellence in Teaching Canadian History. He has also won multiple awards for his writing from the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), an agency of the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, including Noteworthy Writer of the Year (2021), Best Junior Poet (2022), and Special Writer of the Year (2022). His writing has appeared in a number of other publications including high school yearbooks as faculty contributor, the Ontario Principals’ Council Register, local and international newspapers, and most recently, the book Navigating Hospice by Angella McKenzie. An avid runner, singer and gardener, he lives with his wife in Vaughan, Ontario. More of his poetry can be found on his YouTube channel in video format. For further information or to get in touch directly with David, please visit www.davidmcadam.ca.

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Contributors

Author

David A. McAdam

Illustrator

Sasha Bains

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