John P. Sjolander's only published book of poetry, "Salt of the Earth and Sea," was published in 1928. Sjolander, known as the "Sage of Cedar Bayou," was a prolific poet, especially in the period between 1876 and 1910. He was recognized for his poems about rural life and nature. "Salt of the Earth and Sea," contains verses on legendary heroes and mysterious events of Galveston Bay, as well as nature poems such as "The Bluebonnet."