A Grief Observed

Over three months, while walking his three dogs through the woods surrounding his family farm, Chris found a unique way to process his grief. Composing each poem aloud and then memorizing it before transcribing it onto his iPad, he created a deeply personal and cathartic record of loss. These poems emerged from the sudden death of his wife, Lindsay, from cancer in November 2023 at the age of 48, and he hopes they will offer comfort to others navigating similar journeys.

Pharaoh's Nose

“Pharaoh’s Nose is a wonderful book of poems, an expressive celebration of life, and a masterpiece with insight and passion.

A ‘Life-Force’ of Art, an original and worthy addition to any public or private library shelf,

stimulating and eye-opening while capturing the heart, mind and soul of humanity.”

– Wynne Timbrell, Arnside (LANCS).

Ghost Stories & Love Notes

Dear reader,

I present to you my thoughts and feelings from every breakdown, break up, make up, sad day, and drunken moment I ever had.

Every time being a woman felt like being at war, every time being gay felt like a crime, every moment of shame and every moment of joy, and all the other moments in-between. I present to you, everything I ever internalised, and everything I tried to hide from the world.

I am done hiding, I am done being scared, being ashamed, and feeling at war with myself.

This book is for me, from me.

My Choice, Your Voice

Embark on a journey from rock bottom, narrated by a woman in her thirties whose unwavering confidence and resilience drive her forward. When her wings were clipped and her dreams caged, she made a bold choice – one that would change everything.

Take her hand and step through the fires of hell on a path toward healing. As the temperature rises, prepare for a flood of emotions born from the darkest moments of her life. From deep pain to the relief of finding safety, her story unfolds in raw and unfiltered honesty, offering a powerful testament to survival and self-discovery.

With every step, she unravels the ripple effects of her choices, revealing the sacrifices made to protect those she loves. Her journey is one of vulnerability and strength, told through the window of her soul, where pain and solace intertwine beneath the moonlit sky.

This book is an invitation to reflect on your own lived experiences, to find connection in shared struggles, and to know that no one should have to walk this path alone. Stay with her until the end. No one needs to be this alone.

It's So Simple, You Could Miss It

I had turned, yellow and was passing blood, and I did not know what my condition was or what I was dying from until I heard a man say that if you are an alcoholic, and you take that first drink you will become powerless. That sometimes happens to me. Then, I knew, he was speaking the truth. I had a spiritual awaking and never drank again; I am now 40 years sober.

Before and After Eve

This collection of poems is inspired by personal journeys, the beauty of nature, and the mysteries of the unknown – inviting you to embark on your own imaginative voyage.

Among the featured works:

‘Friends of New Music Energy’ offers insight into the world of fellow musicians.

‘Traveller Friends and Countries’ explores the bonds of friendship across different places and cultures.

Altogether, this book presents 28 full poems to enjoy, each crafted to inspire, reflect, and resonate.

The Words That Gave Me Wings

Written between the ages of sixteen and eighteen, The Words That Gave Me Wings is a profoundly moving collection of poetry that encapsulates the tumultuous experience of blossoming into womanhood.

Divided into four chapters mirroring the life cycle of a butterfly: Egg, Larva, Pupa and Adult, the poems chronicle the poet’s own metamorphosis. Just as a caterpillar transforms into a magnificent butterfly, the act of writing allowed the poet to shed her skin, embrace her true self, and finally take flight.

This collection is a testament to the enduring power of self-expression and the beauty of vulnerability, reminding us that every lesson, love, tear and triumph is worthy of poetry. It is a must-read for anyone who admires a soul being poured onto a page, has faced criticism for ‘feeling too deeply’ or needs the courage to prioritise their own needs when they know it is time to return to themselves.

Surreality

I have been on a personal search for faith for many years, striving to better understand the meaning and relevance of religion, and, in doing so, perhaps find some comfort.

Alongside this, I am deeply interested in exploring the complexity of emotions, the conflicting ways they affect people, and their impact on mental health.

Using poetry in a raw, personal, and honest way, I have sought to delve into my own emotional states, often writing from deeply uncomfortable places.

This book is the result of that journey: a collection that takes the reader through moments of darkness and light.

By experimenting with formatting and the structure of some poems, I aim to emphasize their content, challenge the reader, and provoke thought and reflection.

Ultimately, these poems, whether taken individually or as a whole, are intended to be relatable, rewarding, and an uplifting literary experience.

Ramblings of a Free Man - Volume II

And so, we continue…

Is it into the sunset or the sunrise?

Travelling into my final years on this wonderful planet of ours, that question can arise more than twice a day.

Observing England, Wales, Scotland and again Mallorca during my newfound freedom reveals the mores, habits, contradictions and petty annoyances of the 2020s.

This essentially human interaction, combined with a deep love of people, places and the written word, drives a poetic response that continues to tumble out.

Each day can trigger an enlivening of deep-seated memories, many re-emerging that had been locked away during our busy working lives.

Appealing to all ages, anyone who has marvelled at the depth, complexity, commonality and diversity of our fellow humans can continue to accompany me on my journey.

Feel free to join me now or at any time.

These poems are a testament to that journey.

Poetic Odyssey

Robin was born in Cape Town in 2009. From an early age, it was clear she had an inquisitive mind and a deep love for animals. Whenever she saw an injured insect or animal, she would eagerly attempt to make a ‘potion’ to help. As a little girl, Robin developed a fascination with stones and, despite her shyness, would confidently discuss with adults how to identify different types of stones and their characteristics. Grounded and empathetic, Robin takes others’ feelings to heart and has always been a natural peacemaker.

Now a dynamic young poet, Robin’s love for words shines through in every verse she writes. With a kind heart and an old soul, her poetry is infused with wisdom and depth beyond her years, captivating readers with its beauty and sincerity. From a young age, Robin found solace in the power of words, using poetry to express her innermost thoughts and feelings.

Her first poetry book takes readers on a journey through the landscapes of her imagination, weaving vivid imagery and heartfelt emotion into a tapestry of words that resonate deeply with the soul. Each poem is a testament to Robin’s extraordinary ability to capture the essence of life in all its beauty and complexity, offering readers a glimpse into the world through her unique and tender perspective.

Poems and Notes

Poems and Notes is a short volume composed over many years, charting the emotional and intellectual evolution of the author through the most significant events of his life. His preface is a biography in brief and introduces the poetry of his maturity. There follows what remains of his apprentice work, to demonstrate the origins of his passions and preoccupations. The Notes conclude the volume, providing a background and commentary to his life, at the end of which the author finds a conclusion both to the work and to his own writing.

Poems and Notes is concerned above all with understanding and making sense of the author’s experience, of reconciling circumstance and creating, if possible, something memorable and beautiful from even his most difficult times.

Cover: Detail from After the Storm, c.1700, Willem van de Velde the Younger and Studio. Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington.

Compendium of Poetry

To read a blurb is quite absurd for a poetry book like this:

Adventure galore, ironical score, drama and a lover’s bliss,

Words from the heart, a legitimate start, regrets and agony too.

Reflections abound, lost siblings found, only to mention a few.

Remembering the past, dreams that last, not to be missed for quids,

Cleaning the pool, using the tools, and don’t forget the kids!