Meet the man whose musing words reverently grace sculptures, books, and poems across the county
James E. Tokley Sr. is not shy about his love of words – “powerful words, words full of life,” as he puts it.
Though he is 76 years young, Tokley shared two of his favorite words that he’s been fondly holding onto since the age of three. “Cantankerous” and “rapscallion” were both used to describe a fictitious cat his mother introduced to him in one of the many books they read together.
Now, 73 years later, as Hillsborough County’s poet laureate, Tokley has enjoyed decades of selectively collecting and generously sharing beloved words. A lifetime of creative work and professional accomplishments reveal his passion for insightful expression and love for Hillsborough County.
The power of arts in education
Tokley identifies his mother, Hilda Tokley, as an early inspiring force behind his creative endeavors. However, upon reflection, he also found artistic encouragement in his early school years. He gives considerable credit to one of his elementary teachers, Miss Adams.
Miss Adams was one of the first people to open Tokley’s young ears -- and heart -- to music. He thoughtfully recalled listening to the records Miss Adams played at the end of the school day while he and other students waited for their buses home.
The day his teacher played George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” remains clear in Tokley’s mind. Though only a young kid when he first heard the tune, he was hit with the weight of the piece, and in his own words, he “simply wept.” Years later, Tokley would infuse his writing with a natural ear for rhythm, timing, and the musicality of words.
A man of letters
Tokley was born in Federalsburg, Maryland in 1948 but grew up in Delaware on his grandparents’ farm. Upon graduating high school, he attended Delaware State University where he received his Bachelor of Arts in English. He then moved to Philadelphia where he earned a master's degree in English education from Temple University. Tokley later earned a second master’s degree in English from the University of South Florida and an honorary doctorate from Tampa College.
Tokley taught world literature, linguistics, journalism, and sociology over the course of his career in higher education. The influence of these subjects can be seen in his poetry, some of which tenderly portrays the no-frills human side of Tampa’s working-class neighborhoods and residents.
Tokley enjoyed teaching and treasured the “give and take of dialogue” that he shared with his students, comparing it to a “literary relay.” He appreciates that just as Miss Adams had a profound impact on his life and art, he too was able to share his creative passions with a rising generation.
Following his career in higher education, Tokley worked as a diversity awareness trainer for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency and owned and managed a human resources consulting firm with his wife, Joanna Tokley.
Home in Hillsborough County
It was in 1978 that Tokley made Tampa, the hometown of his father, his home. To this day, he remembers the simple joy of driving down Nebraska Avenue with his dad, both reciting poetry to one another along the way. Rudyard Kipling was a regular favorite of the two.
With time, Tokley’s new city became a common subject of his poetry. Rhythmic verses about pool room feuds, a City Hall “cleaning lady,” and sharp characters from Belmont Heights highlight his skill for observing and capturing the nuance of everyday moments across neighborhoods. In his honest, authentic descriptions of Tampa life, particularly within Black and Cuban communities, you can feel his deep, uncompromising affection for the area.
“If Tampa had not been a city and my wife had not been born where she was born, I probably would have fallen in love and married the city,” Tokley said. “I am truly in love with the spirit of Tampa.”
Eventually, Tokley found his niche as a performance poet and frequented local night spots where he recited his verse with beat-like precision and a booming baritone voice. Tokley’s talent and eminence would ultimately lead to his appointment as Poet Laureate for Tampa in 1996, and later, in 2013, for Hillsborough County.
The Song of Hillsborough
Tokley’s numerous works include the acclaimed poem, “Central Avenue Remembered,” which he recited in the WEDU Emmy-award-winning documentary of the same name, about Tampa’s Central Avenue. A display honoring Tokley and the poem can be viewed in the Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library. It is part of a permanent exhibit on local Civil Rights and Black history.
Another celebrated poem by Tokley is “The Song of Hillsborough.” The unique narrative consists of 35 lyrical stanzas describing ancient and modern Hillsborough County history. Using rhyme and a singsong flow, the poem weaves together a visual description of the area’s natural features, native plants and animals, and indigenous people.
As the story winds through the ages, text touches on Seminole life, the arrival of Spanish explorers, slavery, and the Civil War. Historic local figures are highlighted as well, including Henry Plant and James McKay, as well as prominent places such as Ybor City, Plant City, Bealsville, Brandon, and Temple Terrace. Subtle references to gypsum piles, Cuban coffee, and blossoming myrtle trees contribute to its distinctive Hillsborough flavor.
“The Song of Hillsborough” can be read through the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative’s digital collection. A series of 17 colorful folk paintings illustrating the poem by the late, local artist “Mr B.” (Jack Beverland) are on display at the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library.
Let me live in a land of justice
Tokley wrote many other memorable poems, books, and pieces, including a heavily Tampa-themed collection of poetry, “Oh, St. Regent.” Over the years, he penned and recited inauguration poems for former Tampa Mayor Dick Greco and former Florida Gov. Charlie Christ.
Tokley’s words also appear on landmarks across Hillsborough County, including inscriptions on the base of the Freedom sculpture in Joe Chillura Courthouse Square and on a plaque outside the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse.
The poem on display outside the Edgecomb Courthouse, titled “A Modern Manifesto” reads:
Let me live in a land of Justice
…one where every human being
Has been judged and found the equal
of the greatest king or queen
& Let me lift the lamp of reason
…so that all who seek may find
That the scales of hate have been removed
& Justice is not blind!
O’Let me shout the Bill of Rights in every courtroom of the land
Until the civil sword of Justice rests in every human hand,
& In the course of generations, let the cause of Justice be:
That we pledge ourselves to Freedom,
But by Justice we are free!
Writing on
Tokley’s generous contributions to Hillsborough County do not end with his published or performed works. He continues to write, as well as share his appreciation for the arts and encouragement for others to create.
Not only does the poet laureate advise aspiring wordsmiths to “write with your ears,” but he emphasizes the need for people to express themselves, regardless of their skill level or experience.
Tokley offered, “Do not discount yourself, because if you say you’re a poet, it is within you to write the poem that turns the world.”