DOUG DRAIME

Commonly referred to as a Poet's Poet, Doug Draime was born and raised in Vincennes, Indiana. He was a Poet, Short Story Writer, Playwright and author of sixteen collections of poetry. Doug’s first published works appeared in the 1960’s. His poems, short stories and plays continue to be published in a wide range of magazines, newspapers, collections, broadsides, and online. Draime began writing as a teenager, then moved to Chicago where he studied philosophy and creative writing at Chicago University, and theater at the Fine Arts Academy. A wartime draftee, he served 2 years in the US army infantry during the Vietnam War, becoming active in the anti-war movement when he moved to Los Angeles in the summer of 1967 after his discharge. He studied film at Los Angeles City College on the G.I. Bill, and briefly pursued a career as an actor before becoming an integral part of the Los Angeles literary community. In 1981 he re-located to Southern Oregon to raise his first son, Aaron. He was a recipient of PEN grants, in 1987, 1991 and 1992. While living in Oregon he met and married Carol Draime, and the two of them lived together until his death in 2015. He leaves behind his wife of 20 years, Carol and his sons, Aaron and Shawn. His poems can make you laugh & cry, and even help you think why.