St. Petersburg 'poet-for-hire' Giovanni Cerro writes fast, lovely verse for strangers
The article introduces Giovanni Cerro, a St. Petersburg poet who has turned his childhood passion for writing into a unique business called Gio's Typos. After transitioning from a corporate job at Tesla, Cerro now crafts personalized poetry for strangers using an old Hermes 3000 typewriter. His process is quick and engaging, allowing him to create poems in just minutes, often on the back of old maps. Cerro operates in various public spaces, including markets and coffee shops, relying on tips and donations for his income.
He believes in the transformative power of poetry, describing his work as 'permission slips for people to feel their feelings again. ' Through his art, he creates a safe space for individuals to express their thoughts and experiences without judgment. The article beautifully captures Cerro's journey and the joy he derives from connecting with people through words, illustrating how he combines traditional writing methods with a modern, accessible approach to poetry.