The Ugly Glory is a raw, unvarnished portrayal of everyday life that rejects embellishment and focuses on the mundane and gritty aspects of existence. These verses explore the struggles, disappointments, and complexities of the poet and presents a stark, unromanticized perspective on reality. Embracing colloquial language and a direct narrative style, the series seeks authenticity in its portrayal of the human condition by challenging artistic conventions and societal taboos with its straightforward and unadorned approach.
THE MAN IN THE MIRROR - A Collection on Male Mental Health
“The greater the difficulty, the more glory in surmounting it. Skilful pilots gain their reputation from storms and tempests.” Epictetus
Embark on a profound journey through the intricate labyrinth of a man's life, where complexity and challenges converge into a bewildering tapestry of emotions. In a world seemingly crumbling around him, he grapples with the recent loss of his father, the initiation of a divorce after a 14-year marriage, a slowing career trajectory, and the relentless ascent of debt, all creating a bleak landscape where great uncertainty looms ominously.
This poignant and unflinchingly honest collection of poems, grouped into themes, encapsulates the male experience in a society influenced by distorted ideals propagated by celebrity culture and social media. The poet contends that these unrealistic standards contribute to the male mental health crisis, challenging the limited stereotypes that confine men to emotional stoicism and an exclusive pursuit of physical connection.
Within these verses, you'll witness the raw vulnerability of a man striving to emerge from the depths of despair, embracing his true self and ultimately finding resilience in the face of the male mental health crisis. His story will shatter taboos, encourage you to confront your own demons and extend a compassionate ear to those in need. To forge a brighter future, one marked by authentic friendships and healing through self-discovery.
FRIDAY NIGHT FEVER – A Collection on Booze, Nightlife & The Battle with Sobriety
“That's the problem with drinking, I thought, as I poured myself a drink” Charles Bukowski
Explore the physiological effects of ethanol, the magical elixir of booze, on our body and brain in this collection of poems.
As Ethanol dances through cell walls it alters neurotransmitters and sends our prefrontal cortex - the seat of decision-making - on a wild ride. It's a rollercoaster of impulses and contradictions, with Gaba urging us to sit down while Glutamate tempts us into craziness.
Memories fade into nothingness as the hippocampus takes a break, and we revel in the euphoria of dopamine.
The heart of Friday Night Fever is a journey of reckless abandon and selective amnesia. A testament to the eternal yearning for weekends and a brief escape from the drudgery of the real world. Alcohol becoming a crutch, a means to forget, to help us to live in the moment, to connect with friends, but also sometimes, a dark manifestation of self-hatred.
These poems explore the highs and lows of Friday night fever, inner conflict and swinging between excess, moderation and sobriety.
JELLIED EELS & MULTI-CULTURALISM – A Collection on Modern Life in the UK
“Modest about our national pride – and inordinately proud of our national modesty.” Ian Hislop
Step into the vibrant tapestry of modern Britain with this collection of thought-provoking poems.
Meet a member of the "Lager, lager, lager" generation, his conversations around the iconic Blur vs. Oasis debate. Raised with the belief, that, hard work leads to a fulfilling career and your home was your castle, these dreams were crushed by the 2008 financial crash.
Now in his mid-40s, the poet questions, what’s the essence of Britannia and, where does the Empire, The Royal Family and The Commonwealth fit into the modern world? The poems tackle questions that resonate with many Brits today: What defines our national identity? Is work-life balance attainable? Do we truly embrace differences, be they religious, ethnic or sexual? And, perhaps most intriguingly, how does technology shape our present and what role will it play in our future?
This collection delves into the heart of a rebellious island nation that values independence and creativity, but which has a widening socio-economic divide and democratic deficit. The UK is a country which venerates its past, is navigating a turbulent present and faces an uncertain future.
THIS IS WHY WE MET – A Collection on Dating, Friends with Benefits & Sex Workers
“Don’t be afraid. Don’t be ashamed. Don’t ever apologize for your sexuality. Just be you.” — Sonya Deville
Embark on a daring exploration of human sexuality through a thought-provoking collection of poems that unflinchingly navigates the intricate tapestry of intimate experiences. These verses provide candid insights into the complex realm of our sexual lives.
The poems affirm the enduring essence of our humanity lies in the act of sex, celebrated regardless of differences in race, religion, sexual orientation or whether it is for love, friendship or money. Moving beyond physical pleasure, the poems underscore the role of sex in overall well-being, from stress reduction to the release of oxytocin—the "love drug." They propose that sharing past sexual experiences with new partners can be both liberating and arousing. When delving into the realm of pornography, the poems explore the interplay between digital fantasies and real-life insecurities in an era dominated by image-centric social media.
At its core, the collection fearlessly explores diverse sexual experiences, from hook-up apps to friends with benefits via sex workers, all the time acknowledging the blurred lines between passion and restraint. Bold and unapologetic, these verses invite reflection on the true essence of humanity—our desires, experiences and the embrace of the intricate facets of our sexual selves.
MY NORTH STAR – A Collection on Love, Divorce & Finding a Way Forward
“Divorce isn't such a tragedy. A tragedy’s staying in an unhappy marriage, teaching your children the wrong things about love. Nobody ever died of divorce.” Jennifer Weiner
Amidst the tumult of divorce, a haven unexpectedly emerges through the tapestry of poignant poems that weave through the threads of unraveling knots. Initiated in the initial optimism of a fourteen-year marriage, the journey navigates challenges of relocation, cultural adaptation, parenting, and home-building. However, the latter seven years unveil a bleaker narrative, prompting a crucial reassessment. These verses delve into profound contemplation on the essence of love, from the exuberance of beginnings to the heartbreak of divorce, particularly when children are involved.
As the decision to part ways is made, societal expectations are challenged, advocating for a nuanced understanding of separation without assigning blame. The poems encapsulate a fifteen-year odyssey, from the intoxicating allure of another's being to a profound respect for the essence of love—a commitment to an ideal rather than an inflexible reality. In the process of divorce, the author discovers solace in his poems while embarking on a journey to rediscover inner light and remain open to future relationships.
This collection dismantles the fairy tale notion of happily ever after, offering a raw and honest exploration of the complexities woven into the fabric of love and marriage.
JUST ANOTHER MARTIAN CAT LIVING IN BASILDON – A Collection on Creativity & Exploring the World
“A human being is a part of the whole called by us universe, a part limited in time and space.” Albert Einstein
Embark on a poetic transformative journey that challenges perceptions, sparks creativity, and ventures into the far reaches of human experience. In a chance encounter with an unconventional Icelander, the author's world undergoes a profound shift. This visionary, deemed eccentric by society, captivates with an audacious idea—burning unsold books within 24 hours of printing, this challenging traditional norms. These blazing literary spectacles, akin to performance art, prompt profound philosophical reflections on the delicate balance between permanence and impermanence.
Beyond book burning, the collection delves into the transformative power of travel, drawing on the author's experiences of 60 countries including 15 African nations. The verses explore the emotional rollercoaster of travel—dreams, fears and exhilaration—as planes, trains and automobiles become vessels to diverse experiences.
The collection navigates creativity, the natural world and the impact of travel, common threads binding humanity and our evolving relationship with the world. Explore the intricate mosaic of human existence, and revel in the complexities of our shared human experience. These poems will awaken your senses, challenge perspectives and inspire a renewed appreciation for the world around you.
LIFE PIRATE – A Collection on Life, Death & All That Jazz
“I am a man of fortune and must seek my fortune.” – Captain Henry Avery
Embark on the poignant poetic journey of a middle-aged man as he navigates a turbulent phase marked by profound losses, transformations and self-discovery. In a few months, he grapples with the passing of his father, the onset of divorce proceedings and imminent relocation—a challenging trifecta shaping a pivotal chapter in his life.
As a child of a bygone era, the author reflects on a world transitioning from black and white TVs to Fitbits and bitcoins. This collection exploring his cultural touchstones of the 80s, memories of Christmases past, and the transformative experiences of adolescence and parenthood.
Life's milestones reveal a shift in perspective, the author contemplating an uncertain future with responsibility and accountability. Verses delve into the evolving relationship with the world through art and travel, inspiring a mindset known as "being a life pirate"— this embracing life's unpredictability with courage and resilience.
The poems serve as a poignant reminder that life is a journey, and though the destination remains uncertain, the path is where purpose, authenticity and the true essence of being human are discovered. Through this collection, readers are invited to sail the seas of existence as life pirates, ready to treasure every experience, no matter how unexpected. Cheers to the voyage!