RESURGENCE: Anthology of Poems by

The title of this anthology was chosen to reflect the meaning and purpose of the poems: Resurgence: a rising again, a renewal, or a return to life, strength, or activity after a period of decline, absence or difficulty. With the world facing ever increasing complexity and chaos, and with large numbers of people facing all manner of stress and despair, the time feels right to focus on re-engaging through resurgence, or upwelling of spiritual energy, by taking a fresh look at the values and messages embedded in old established religions and cultures, alongside more recent spiritual and psychological enquiry. Without this guidance and realisation, life can often be a huge challenge which makes no sense, especially at times when difficulties occur and the usual distractions and pleasures are no longer helpful or available. Whilst religion is still a major influence in many peoples' lives, there are many more who might consider it irrelevant and outdated. The word "God" has connotations which may lead some to dismiss the concept, seeing it as old-fashioned, unscientific, naive, judgmental, and very distant from their own lives. They cannot believe such a fantasy exists when there appears to be little kindness or compassion shown by their fellow human beings. This is one reason why I will not use the G word in any of my compositions (with the exception of one poem which explores the meaning of the word itself.) It may conjure up an image which could be rejected or perceived in a negative way. I have chosen the word "greater self," based on the fact that the self is a word used in this context to describe all we know (and we can only know from the standpoint of the self). The greater our consciousness becomes the more integrated the self becomes until everything we know is within and part of the whole. These poems are written for everyone interested in enquiry, whatever their values and beliefs. The intention is to encourage the reader to look again at their life and find deeper meanings and messages within. It may simply be a new interpretation of existing ideas, rather than a revelation, but the important thing is that it acts as a signpost which leads us towards the spiritual path. Whilst these paths can be many and varied they will transport us all on a journey of self-discovery to find out what life is really saying about the meaning of being alive today.

Pages: 71, Paperback, Independently published