John's latest collection of poems is a profound exploration of the human spirit, capturing the raw and unfiltered emotions of love, loss, war, and peace. This powerful anthology invites you to reflect deeply on the meaning of existence, guiding you through the highs and lows of the human experience. Feel the heartbreak of loss and the bitterness of conflict yet find solace in love and the fragile peace that follows. Through it all, the unwavering theme of resilience shines, reminding us of our capacity to endure and overcome.
These poems don't just echo universal truths; they also bear witness to specific moments in history, including the harrowing brutality of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. John's work is a poignant record of contemporary struggles, championing a more inclusive and compassionate world. With his distinct voice, John captures the essence of humanity in all its complexity, ensuring these poems will resonate far beyond our time.
Some of these poems are also songs. To hear (and see music videos) of some of the songs readers can scan the accompanying QR codes.
Here are a few verses from a couple of poems to give a flavour of the collection:
WOW, WOW, SHE LOVES ME
When I first saw you, I was making a pitch.
Your kind of look, it made me twitch.
I don't know what it's all about,
I only know I want to sing and shout.
You came over, looked me in the eye.
I felt queasy, thought I might die.
You said, 'Boy, you're the one I'm looking for.'
Next thing I knew, I was on the floor.
I thought:
Wow, wow, she loves me!
Wow, wow, I'm on a jet ski!
Wow, wow, oh god, she met me -
Wow, wow, it's my destiny.
THE PEACE DIVIDEND
Instead of paying for guns and bombs,
For mass graves and family tombs,
Put the money to housing and schools
So children won't use guns, only tools.
No arms to buy, no soldiers to kill,
Use the money for those who are ill.
Put the metal into cars,
The fuel to power rockets to Mars.
Save the explosions for Bonfire Night
Instead of blowing things up as you fight.
Put the nuclear threat to good use
For shrinking tumours, not nuclear truce.
In place of the men going into battle,
Let them come home and raise our cattle;
Instead of fighting to be free,
Fighting for our place in industry.
Take your wars out to the fields -
Bats and balls alone to wield.
Then you can feel that you've just won
Without ever firing a missile or gun.
