This book has been a long time coming. I've had to fight a lot of demons to get to this stage. I guess it was the death of my father that gave me the final nudge. So thanks dad for making this possible and for in a very big way influening my work, my ever present 'naysayer', on that note i dedicate 'Endless Plight' in his memory.
The Book
It starts off dark and then descends into the depths of despare. I've deliberately structured the poems so that at the end the mood is lightened. I chose the title 'On Reflection' because it's very much about the way i try to make sense of the world. I observe my surroundings and the people who touch on my life, i reflect on the emotions and grapple with the 'whys', I always have to get to the bottom of things, to know why people are the way they are and why they do what they do, but most importantly how I react and behave so that i'm able come to terms with things.
The Poetry
'Hungry Eyes' is my reaction to the street people and vendors i encountered in Berlin. I fell in love with Berlin. However, there is a never ceasing prescence of people very eager to get you to give them money. I wonder why they are on the streets in a place like Germany and why are these vendors so desperate, but it also leaves a lasting effect because i can't help them.
'Suicidal Fly' This is my wit, the whole poem is based on hyperbole and personification. I studied poetry at Ashton College, but i've never really though about my poetry in that way, i guess i should look into it. When you write you don't think about alliteration, onomatopoea or elegy. You just write the word that fits best and projects the exact feeling, mood or meaning you require while still maintaining the rhythm and overall tone. Sounds of words next to each other in a sentence are important to me so i did use a lot of alliteration, assonance and symbolism in my work, a lot of the words have more than one meaning, i play with ryhthm and meaning and punctuation to create conflict, jarring points, sudden stops and contradictions, it's deliberate. That's what my thinking process is like as i'm trying to figure out what's going on out there and in me.
Next Project
Film has had a huge impact on my life. I admire filmmakers who can bring all the elements together and make you feel such deep emotions, inspire you to think, make you laugh until you cry. I want to try to do the same, make a small contribution to a nobel art, the art of communication through celluloid.
On a final note the purchase of this book will help Amnesty International improve the lives of those who need help and support from the more fortunate parts of the world. I would like to be a part of the global community and make the rest of the world as free as it is for me.
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