Remains: A Collection of Poems

Remains: 1) things that remain or are left. 2) historical or archaeological relics. 3) a person's body after death. (OED - Oxford University Press) If humans living 1,000 years from now were to find the remnants of 21st century life, what would they make of us? If they found the statue of Karl Marx in Highgate Cemetery, would they think he was once our leader? When changes occur, something or someone is always left behind. Death leaves behind grief, confusion and a sometimes seemingly endless void for loved ones; the pulling down of buildings and communities in the name of progress can leave only time and memories. Poetry can be the remains (or product) of days and weeks of contemplation and frustration. When societies change, people and communities can be left behind as ruthless political agendas accelerate countries in directions that are bereft of kindness, compassion and love. As the most affluent in societies become even richer, the most vulnerable become poorer in terms of income, health and time, making life a daily battle of survival.

Recent cuts to our benefits system have ensured that millions of people are finding it impossible to afford even the basic essentials of life. Some of the poems in this collection attempt to address how sometimes it is possible for all of us to feel left behind as life accelerates into the distance and everything seems beyond control. As a Christian, I believe that we should live together in faith, humility and gentleness, bearing one another's burdens and taking care not to be consumed by greed or ambition.