Below is the Prologue from my first poetry book titled ‘Poems and Other Fairy Tales 1968 – 2020’. Thought I’d share it here:
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Prologue
At school, I seriously sucked at spelling and grammar. So, I apologise in advance in case my ‘spelling and grammar’ make your eyes bleed. In my defence, I railed against what I considered the shambolic rules corralling the written word. In a visceral sense, I was more drawn to the clip-clap of sonics. The crafted harvesting of spoken words could make music. I dug poetry, verse and their sibling, lyrics. I continue to dig them.
I have no right to expect a reading audience, as I have not really suffered for my ‘art’. I’m thus not entitled. I would chide being viewed as a tortured poet as my torturers were a troupe of beneficent life-coaches. Each work denotes a page in my personal ‘diary’, a piece of abstract word-art painted in and coloured by artistic code that invites deciphering. Equally, each work is lacquered with rhythmic texture and musicality. Ultimately, these poems and fairy tales, helped me to make sense of my rich set of life-experiences.
My hope is that these creations resonate with you, and maybe even cause a pleasurable sense-quake of the spiritual kind. My son, Vincent, has been my much-valued editor and co-developer in many of the works. I have credited him as co-author where his contribution has been significant. We will be thrilled if our musings inspire you to explore your own inner poet.
My attempt to group each work into themes, works but only to a point. Some bridge several themes. The earliest piece was written in 1968 and the latest in 2020. Charley, Abbey and Kate (my two talented daughters) and Bram (a cousin) contributed to the complementary sketches. Carolyn (my wife) carried out the mammoth task of final proof reading.
Please enjoy,
Kees
If you would like to purchase a copy of my book, you can purchase it online from the Booktopia website.