Mike Posner’s ‘Tear Drops and Balloons’ (Poetry Book) 8th Anniversary
Today marks the 8th anniversary of Mike Posner’s deeply personal poetry collection, Tear Drops and Balloons, released on March 17, 2017. Spanning 93 pages, this powerful collection invites readers into Mike’s world, where he transforms life’s struggles into thought-provoking works of art.
In discussing the book’s title, Mike shared a personal reflection: “When I was maybe 24 years old, I realized that if I flipped the paper upside down, the teardrops became balloons.” This concept captures the essence of the book, where negativity is flipped into positivity, a recurring theme throughout the poems.
The poems within Tear Drops and Balloons cover a wide range of emotions and experiences—from love and loss to fame and insecurity. One standout piece, “Hate Mail,” is a collage of the mean tweets Mike received online. By finding humor and meaning in these harsh words, Mike shows how he turns negativity into fuel for creativity, as he explains, “When I take something that’s…negative and try to find the humor or the art in that, then it doesn’t cut so deeply.”
Much like his songwriting, Mike’s poetry comes from a deeply personal place, with the artist himself noting, “It’s kinda like hot water and cold water. They’re both coming from the same filtration system somewhere up the stream…but they come out of a different faucet.” His ability to express vulnerability, raw emotions, and reflections on life resonates throughout his creative journey.
Tear Drops and Balloons isn’t just a poetry collection—it’s a fearless exploration of Mike’s journey. With no holds barred, Mike opens his heart and shares his perspective on life, fearlessly dissecting his experiences with a mix of honesty, art, and introspection.
Personally, this book holds even more significance for me—I own a signed copy, personally autographed by Mike Posner when it was first released. With Tear Drops and Balloons now a rare find, it remains a treasured piece of my collection. Check out the images of my copy below!
For those who prefer to listen, the audiobook version is available on platforms like Amazon, Audible, Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube.
As we celebrate the 8th anniversary of Tear Drops and Balloons, let’s reflect on how Mike Posner continues to use his creativity to inspire and transform, turning every drop of sorrow into a soaring balloon of hope. And for those eager for more, Mike is working on his first book, a memoir chronicling his transformative 2019 walk across the country, which was inspired by the memory of his late father. Expect more from Mike soon as he embarks on this exciting new chapter in his creative journey.
