Tidewater Region native Brian Lawson recently published his first book of poetry.

Titled the “Contemplations of Essence,” the book contains 28 poems.

Lawson grew up in Windsor and graduated in 2005 with his associate’s degree from Paul D. Camp Community College. He received his bachelor’s degree in English and creative writing and minor in psychology from Old Dominion University in 2010.

“People don’t take that very seriously,” Lawson said to people’s response to writing poetry.

Lawson loves to write, but has to find other ways to pay the bills.

“Teaching is not out of the question,” he said.

Lawson was an intern at The Tidewater News during the summer of 2008. During that time, he interviewed people, took pictures and wrote short articles. Lawson hopes to use that experience in the future.

He also writes short stories.

As for the future, Lawson plans to write two novels, a collection of short stories and another book of poetry.

To purchase his book, go to www.xlibris.com, www.amazon.com or www.barnesandnoble.com.