John R. Yost was born in Charleston, West Virginia, and has lived mostly in West Virginia, but also in Kentucky, and Maryland. John and his wife Geneva have three daughters, nine grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter. John has written poetry ever since high school. He has been published in a handful of little magazines and collections. In 2023 his poem “Williamson, WV” won 2nd place for short poetry in the West Virginia Writers contest. John graduated from Fairmont State College (now Fairmont University), the University of Kentucky, and Wesley Theological Seminary. His first career was as a college librarian in West Virginia. His second career was as an ordained minister. He has pastored several churches, mostly in West Virginia. Although retired, John continues to preach here and there, now and then. John also leads T’ai Chi classes in Martinsburg and Shepherdstown.