By Scott Bailey © 2017
The heart of the oak
Old and strong, steadfast: yields to
The will of the wind
In response to RonovanWrites #Weekly #Haiku #Poetry Prompt #Challenge #177 Strong&Heart
#Ronovan Writes Haiku Challenge
The Oak
Rockets
By Scott Bailey © 2018
Rockets fly
In the face of reason
And humanity
Again
Depleted hope
Is as dangerous
And toxic
As depleted uranium
In response to the daily prompt Deplete
#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday
Who’s the Fool
By Scott Bailey © 2013
Listen to all the anger
Hark at all the fury
Just remember that
You no longer own the jury
Humiliate the whistleblower
Make him out a fool
Wielding propaganda
Like an old blunt tool
Don’t you know we’re cynics now
We can see through all the lies
You will have to do much better
Or suffer the surprise.
Originally published in A Spring of Dreams
Hopebound
By Scott Bailey © 2016
A glimmer of hope
Magically holds our eye
While life passes by
In response to the daily prompt Glimmer
#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday
Small Fish
By Scott Bailey © 2018
In the shallows
Small fish dart
Disturbing the sand
Splashing
In the deep
Sharks swim silent
Passing
Unseen
In response to the daily prompt Disrupt
#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday
Lullaby
By Scott Bailey © 2018
The sun is just shy
Of setting in the west to
Birds’ sweet lullaby
In response to RonovanWrites #Weekly #Haiku #Poetry Prompt #Challenge #196 Shy&Sweet
#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday
Haul
By Scott Bailey © 2018
Life is a haul
Not a journey
Or a mystery
No heaven to aim for
No rules but survival
Just a haul
Knowing
Is enlightenment
Pull where you need to
Concentrate your energy
Focus
Be keen
In response to the daily prompt Haul
#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday
Monarch
By Scott Bailey © 2018
The meadow’s monarch
Surveys his green realm with hope
Before the sun sinks
In response to RonovanWrites #Weekly #Haiku #Poetry Prompt #Challenge #195 Regal&Hopeful
#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday
Explorers (A Florette)
By Scott Bailey © 2013
We brave explorers together
Wearing imitation leather
And as silent as a feather
We toiled through the darkest weather onto our prize
Through mountains and valleys, we walked
By tigers and lions were stalked
And as brave as we always talked
There came a time when we just baulked against the size
Of the hunger in our bellies
Off with our explorer wellies
Broke out the ice cream and jellies
And retreated to the telly’s noisy comfort
In response to the daily prompt Explore
#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday
Radiance
By Scott Bailey © 2018
Radiance
Shining across the galaxy
Shimmering
Around the darkest of places
From darkness
Light is born
To darkness
Returns
In response to the daily prompt Radiant
#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday
Star Fathers
A Lanturne
By Scott Bailey © 2013
Stars
Magic
Fathers dance
Under dark trees
Dream
Originally published in A Spring of Dreams
A Lost Forest
By Scott Bailey © 2013
Bright flakes of light in dappled leaves
that float on down
where saplings grow
and settle low
And earthy scents rise in the air
As underfoot
leaves crunch and fold
red-brown and gold
The rusty fence that holds it in
it holds us too
back from that time
when we roamed free
Originally published in A Spring of Dreams
Conversant
By Scott Bailey © 2018
I am conversant
In…
Um
Well, I am quite good at….
Hey
What the hell
Why does it matter?
Who am I trying to
Impress
In response to the daily prompt Conversant
#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday
Permit
By Scott Bailey © 2018
Permit me to speak
Permit me to say
The truth of our lives
Maybe if we shared
The healing could begin
We could escape
The electronic cage
If we listened
If we did
In response to the daily prompt Permit
#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday
Prowling Fox
By Scott Bailey © 2018
The fox prowls the woods
Hot on the scent of dinner
The body is close
In response to the daily prompt Creature
#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday
Dominant
By Scott Bailey © 2018
The dominant theme
Of the modern movement
Is just that
To dominate
To be the best
No second place
No room for losers
Crush them
Squeeze them dry
That is the song
Of our age
We seem to sing it
With joy
In response to the daily prompt Dominant
#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday
The Heart of Mankind Limited: A Dystopian Reflection on the Price of Progress
As a writer, I’ve always been drawn to the complex interplay between humanity’s boundless ambition and the unintended consequences that often arise in its wake. My novel, Mankind Limited, explores this fragile balance, offering readers a glimpse into a world where corporate power overshadows human freedom, and technology becomes both a blessing and a curse.
The inspiration for this story stemmed from the growing influence of multinational corporations in shaping not only markets but also personal lives, ideologies, and even the fabric of society. The question I kept circling back to was: What happens when humanity’s future is no longer decided by individuals but by entities driven solely by profit and control? Mankind Limited is my answer to that question—a cautionary tale that mirrors the concerns of our present while casting them into a shadowy, dystopian future.
At its core, Mankind Limited revolves around a system of powerful corporations that hold the reins of society, manipulating everything from resources to human behaviour. It’s a world where individuality is suppressed, and conformity is rewarded—a hauntingly plausible reality for anyone who’s observed the increasing commodification of our lives. The protagonist, caught in the machinery of this corporate dystopia, is faced with choices that challenge their morality, loyalty, and humanity itself.
This novel isn’t just about the terrifying possibilities of unchecked power; it’s also about resistance, resilience, and the enduring human spirit. In crafting this world, I wanted to explore the grey areas where good intentions are twisted, and the pursuit of innovation comes at a cost that society can no longer bear.
One of the most exciting parts of writing Mankind Limited was the opportunity to delve into the nuances of human behaviour under extreme societal pressure. What would you do if your every choice was monitored? How much of your freedom would you sacrifice for comfort or safety? And, ultimately, what does it mean to be truly free? These are the questions I pose to readers, not with the intention of providing neat answers, but to spark introspection and discussion.
Since its release, Mankind Limited has sparked conversations with readers who see parallels between the fictional world I created and the direction of our own society. The world of Mankind Limited is dark, but it’s not without hope. Writing this novel reminded me of humanity’s capacity for connection and defiance, even in the face of insurmountable odds. I hope readers find themselves both challenged and inspired as they navigate the twists and turns of the story.
If you’re someone who enjoys exploring the depths of a dystopian future and questioning the direction of our own society, I hope you’ll consider diving into Mankind Limited. It’s a story that continues to resonate and urges reflection on the choices we make today and the world we want to shape for tomorrow.
I’d love to hear your thoughts as you journey through the novel. What resonates with you? Which moments linger in your mind? And, most importantly, how do you envision a better future? Let’s keep the conversation going—because change begins with awareness, and awareness begins with a story.
Scott Andrew Bailey
Sunny
By Scott Bailey © 2017
Sunny
She was
And the shadows she cast were long
We long for her
Now the winter is here
And the long long night descends
Bright was her smile
White and bright her smile
Deep and black her skin
And we wanted in
From afar
Memories of sun
In the dusk
In response to the daily prompt Sunny
#DailyPrompt, #amwriting
The Presentation
By Scott Bailey © 2016
The pie chart tells all
How our future is planned out
While dreams turn to dust
In response to RonovanWrites #Weekly #Haiku #Poetry Prompt #Challenge #107 Pie&Dust
#Ronovan Writes Haiku Challenge
Sometimes
By Scott Bailey © 2013
Sometimes the things we are due
do not arrive
Sometimes that precious parcel
is lost
Sometimes the blows
are more than we think
we can survive
But we do
It is the ancient sadness
of humanity
Happiness has such
frailty
Originally published in A Spring of Dreams
Thunder
Arise
To the thunder
The raging of the skies
Rain, that splits the drought asunder
Rejoice
Tremble
Beneath the aweful majesty
Of nature’s might roar
Making your heart
Thunder
In response to Colleen’s 2018 Weekly #Tanka Tuesday #Poetry Challenge No. 76: JOY & FURY, #SnyonymnsOnly
Had a go at a reverse cinquain this time.
#Cinquain #reverse-cinquain #CinquainPoetry
Change
By Scott Bailey © 2013
Shouting into the hole that is the whole
Nothing back.
Raging against the system that is all
Nothing changed.
Staring at the box with the box.
Nothing gained.
Justifying every move you make
Not explained.
Time to change.
Originally published in A Spring of Dreams
Blush
By Scott Bailey © 2018
See the sky blush with
Golden fire heaven sent
And then the darkness
In response to the daily prompt Blush
#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday
Soundbox
By Scott Bailey © 2013
There are empty spaces
left as people move on,
of the spaces of places long gone,
of times gone by
There is a link between present and past
an energy, a potential,
strung between the memories gone
and the living yet to roll on
The link hums with the tension
and the empty spaces echo back the thrum
deep rich reverberation
layered on the past, the present, the future
Such is the music of life.
Originally published in A Spring of Dreams
Nature
By Scott Bailey © 2018
Nature
Claws back its realm
Over many ages
Verdant fingers prying apart
Even
The strongest of our creations
With persistence of growth
Old and fertile
Mother
In response to the daily prompt Patience
#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday
Chasing Sunbeams
By Scott Bailey © 2016
See the argent moon
Chasing the brightest sunbeams
Moments slip away
Incubate
By Scott Bailey © 2018
Ideas buried deep in the mind
Forgotten, beneath the rubbish
The everyday detritus
Fermenting
Until one day
The green shoot
Of inspiration
In response to the daily prompt Incubate
#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday
Continue readingWrinkle
By Scott Bailey © 2018
A wrinkle by the eye
With a twinkle in
And that’s all you need to know
In response to the daily prompt Wrinkle
#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday
A Small Note for Big Dreamers
By Scott Bailey © 2016
Dreaming
Alone
Is not enough
Dreaming together
Greatly to be desired
But
Giving dreams substance
That is what’s required
Silence
By Scott Bailey © 2013
Silence is Golden
Because it’s so very rare
Grab it while you can
In response to the daily prompt Noise
#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday
Reclamation
Nature
Claws back its realm
Over many ages
Verdant fingers prying apart
Even
The strongest of our creations
With persistence of growth
Old and fertile
Mother
In response to COLLEEN’S WEEKLY #TANKA TUESDAY #POETRY CHALLENGE NO. 75: “PATIENCE & GREEN” #SNYNONYMSONLY
Had a go at a butterfly cinquain this time – and I had the perfect picture to go with it – one I took myself for a change.
#Cinquain #butterfly-cinquain
COLLEEN’S WEEKLY #TANKA TUESDAY #POETRY CHALLENGE NO. 75: “PATIENCE & GREEN” #SNYNONYMSONLY
Slim Pickings
By Scott Bailey © 2018
A chance glance of light
Reveals the heron hunting
Slim pickings below
In response to RonovanWrites #Weekly #Haiku #Poetry Prompt #Challenge #192 Slim&Chance
#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday
The Winding Path
By Scott Bailey © 2018
Be yourself
Be true
Be uncompromising
We are told
Be open-minded
Listen to others
Find the common ground
We are told
Find the path
Through those
And you will be sorted
Or go mad
Trying
Simple
In response to the daily prompt Uncompromising
#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday
Thaw
By Scott Bailey © 2018
I watch the snow melt
The green shoots of grass rise up
To greet the new dawn
Taking a bracing shower
In glistening morning dew
In response to COLLEEN’S WEEKLY #TANKA TUESDAY #POETRY CHALLENGE, NO. 74: “RENEW & FRESH,” #SNYONYMSONLY
#Tanka
Bird on a Branch
By Scott Bailey © 2018
Bird on a branch
Are you resting
Are you watching
The world below
The people rushing here
And there
Along their crowded roads
With all their forks and cul de sacs
Fly on little bird
Fly on
In response to the daily prompt Branch
#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday
Switch it Off
By Scott Bailey © 2018
Oh
For a restart button
A ctrl-alt-del
For some days
Some situations
Sometimes
For life
Must be the geek in me
I want to switch it all off
And back on again
In response to the daily prompt Restart
#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday
Astral Light
By Scott Bailey © 2018
Astral light guides
Cold and passionless
Cargos through the ages
Wood and steel
Fruit and bread
Flesh
To be sold
Along with the souls
Of the seller
In response to the daily prompt Astral
#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday
The Song
By Scott Bailey © 2018
Plainsong
Rolling, chanting
Granting the air a form
Bestow shadow and light purpose
Singing
The crafting of ancient wisdom
To bear us something new
Brightly shining
Lyric
In response to my daily prompt Craft
#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday
Temptation
By Scott Bailey © 2018
Tempting like a tart
Sweet nectar awaits inside
So the dance begins
In response to RonovanWrites #Weekly #Haiku #Poetry Prompt #Challenge #190 Tart&Sweet
#Ronovan Writes Haiku Challenge
The King of the West
By Scott Bailey © 2018
The King of the West
With his golden crown
Encrusted with jewels and finery
Refuses to let it go
When the waters rise
So he is dragged
To the deep
In response to the daily prompt Encrusted
#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday
Assay
By Scott Bailey © 2018
Where is the litmus test?
The assay
Of our leaders
Mettle
Why must I strive
To prove
My worth
When they
Enjoy
No scrutiny
In their ancient
Empty halls
With their ancient
Empty way
In response to the daily prompt Assay
#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday
Stars Sparkle
By Scott Bailey © 2017
Stars sparkle
Planets shine
Celestial bodies far from reach
The solars tantalise
Go for the shiners
Whose light is constant
The stars will ever taunt you
In response to the daily prompt Constant
#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday
365 Days of Verse: The Journey Behind A Spring of Dreams
Embarking on a journey to write a poem every day for an entire year was both a formidable challenge and a deeply rewarding experience. The result of this endeavour is my collection, “A Spring of Dreams,” which comprises 365 poems that capture a wide spectrum of human emotion and thought.
Throughout this year-long odyssey, I explored various poetic forms, including haiku, sonnets, katauta, lanturnes, and free verse. Each poem became a reflection of my daily mood and experiences, resulting in a tapestry of themes that range from joy and love to sadness and grief.
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the constant demands on our time and attention. My hope is that these poems offer readers a brief respite—a moment to pause, reflect, and view the world from a different perspective. Whether you’re seeking solace, inspiration, or simply a moment of contemplation, I believe there’s something within this collection that will resonate with you.
I invite you to delve into “A Spring of Dreams” and discover the diverse emotions and stories woven throughout its pages. May it provide you with a small but meaningful escape from the stresses of daily life, offering a chance to reconnect with the beauty and complexity of the human experience.
Unveiling the Hauntings of Thirteen Tales of Ghosts
Even as the days begin to stretch a little longer, there’s something timeless about the allure of ghost stories. They remind us that some mysteries linger, regardless of the season. Thirteen Tales of Ghosts has always been a collection close to my heart, a book that invites readers to explore the spaces where the living and the dead overlap. These stories delve into the questions that have fascinated us for centuries: what remains when we’re gone, and what might return?
Each tale in this collection offers a glimpse into a different kind of haunting. Whether it’s the unnerving repetition of Cycles, the poignant encounters in The Lost, or the quieter, creeping unease of other stories, I wanted to create experiences that aren’t just eerie but deeply human. Ghost stories, after all, aren’t only about fear—they’re about the emotions and truths that surface when we’re faced with the unknown.
What I love most about writing in this genre is its versatility. A ghost can be a symbol of regret, a lingering love, or even a warning. Each spirit has its own story to tell, and through their whispers, we learn something about ourselves. These tales aren’t just about the supernatural; they’re about the connections we make, the choices we regret, and the things we leave unsaid.
Since Thirteen Tales of Ghosts was first published, I’ve been fortunate to hear from readers who have shared their thoughts and experiences. Some have mentioned how a story reminded them of their own brush with the unexplained; others have simply told me how they had to sleep with the lights on after reading. It’s those connections that make writing worthwhile—knowing that these tales have found a home in someone’s imagination.
If you’ve yet to dive into the collection, now is as good a time as any. Ghost stories are for all seasons because the questions they ask are timeless. What lingers after us? What can’t we let go of? Whether you’re a believer in the supernatural or simply a fan of atmospheric storytelling, I hope these tales offer you something memorable. They’re best read in the quiet hours, with the world hushed around you, when every creak of the floorboards might just make you pause.
For those who have already read Thirteen Tales of Ghosts, I’d love to hear from you. Which story stayed with you? Did any of them evoke chills, or perhaps even tears? Your feedback means the world to me—it’s through your eyes that these tales truly come to life.
I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported my work, whether by reading, sharing, or simply recommending the book to a friend. Every reader who steps into these stories helps to keep their ghosts alive, and I can’t thank you enough for that.
So, if you’re ready to journey into the unknown, I invite you to pick up Thirteen Tales of Ghosts. These stories are more than just a collection—they’re an exploration of the things that haunt us, in every sense of the word.
Thank you for being a part of this journey. I hope these tales linger with you long after you’ve finished reading—after all, the best ghost stories always do.
Unlock the Depths: Exploring Andervayne’s Dream and Other Poems
In an era dominated by instant gratification and fleeting attention spans, I’ve endeavoured to defy the norm with my collection, Andervayne’s Dream and Other Poems. This anthology comprises five extensive poems, each crafted over time and for varied purposes, yet unified by their length and depth. Each piece presented a personal challenge: to maintain a high quality of writing over an extended narrative while adhering to strict structural constraints, all the while weaving compelling stories.
The collection includes:
- Andervayne’s Dream: The centrepiece of this anthology, it’s the longest and most intricate work. The main body adheres to a stringent format, with the Prologue and Epilogue intentionally deviating to add layered meaning. The challenge lay in crafting a narrative within these confines, rich with symbolism and allegory.
- The Tales of the Star Dancer: A more whimsical and lighthearted poem from my earlier writings. It features a unique structure of twinned verses, allowing my imagination to soar freely, creating a fantastical and magical journey.
- The Golden Man: Originally intended as a libretto for an opera, this piece evolved into an epic poem. While it doesn’t follow a strict structure beyond rhyme and melody, it offers an allegorical tale for readers to uncover.
- Will You Follow the Knight: An allegorical narrative of a knight’s journey, this is the shortest poem in the collection, yet still substantial at over 1,200 words. It mirrors themes from Andervayne’s Dream but conveys a more straightforward message.
- Consciousness Cubed: Departing from storytelling, this stream-of-consciousness piece flows freely within a strict form, channelling thoughts into structured patterns.
In a world that urges us to hurry, hurry, hurry, this collection invites readers to slow down, immerse themselves, and find depth beyond the surface. It’s not a quick fix but a rewarding journey, encouraging contemplation and revisitation to uncover layers previously missed.
Embark on this poetic voyage and discover the depth and breadth of Andervayne’s Dream and Other Poems. Available now.
Discover The Colour of Dreams – A Journey Into Poetry
As a writer, I’ve always been fascinated by the way words can capture the intangible—the fleeting emotions, the vivid moments, and the dreams that linger just out of reach. My poetry collection, The Colour of Dreams, is my attempt to explore these themes, to paint pictures with words and evoke emotions that resonate deeply.
This collection is a celebration of imagination and introspection. Each poem invites you into a world where reality blends seamlessly with the surreal, where the ordinary is transformed into something extraordinary. It’s a space where dreams take shape, emotions come alive, and the unspoken finds its voice.
In The Colour of Dreams, I’ve delved into the beauty and complexity of the human experience. The poems touch on themes of love and loss, hope and despair, joy and melancholy, all viewed through the lens of vivid imagery and lyrical expression. My goal was to create a collection that feels both personal and universal, offering something that each reader can connect with in their own way.
What sets this collection apart is its versatility. Whether you enjoy poems that tell a story, evoke a mood, or simply offer a moment of reflection, there’s something here for you. I’ve poured my heart into these pages, striving to create poetry that lingers in the mind and stirs the soul.
Writing this collection has been an incredible journey. Poetry, for me, is about discovery—not just of the world around us, but of ourselves. Through these poems, I hope to share that sense of discovery with you, to invite you to see the world through a different lens and perhaps even find new meaning in your own dreams and experiences.
If you’re looking for a collection of poems that speaks to the heart and sparks the imagination, I’d love for you to give The Colour of Dreams a place on your bookshelf. It’s a work I’m incredibly proud of, and I can’t wait for you to experience it.
Your support means so much to me, and I’d love to hear your thoughts after reading the collection. Whether a particular poem moves you, surprises you, or stays with you long after you’ve closed the book, I hope this collection offers you something special.
So, step into the world of The Colour of Dreams and let the journey begin. Discover what lies at the intersection of reality and imagination, and let the poetry take you somewhere new.
Discover the Depths: ‘The Well of Sunken Dreams’
What lies beneath the surface of our waking lives? What secrets does the unconscious hold? These are the questions I explore in my poetry collection, The Well of Sunken Dreams. Writing this collection has been a journey through verses and a descent into the layers of human emotion, memory, and imagination.
Each poem in this collection represents a fragment of a greater whole, a shard of a mirror reflecting dreams both vivid and forgotten. Through these words, I’ve delved into universal themes of love, loss, and the passage of time, while striving to offer unique perspectives that challenge and inspire readers.
Why I Wrote This Collection
In a world dominated by fast-paced content and fleeting moments, I wanted to create something that invites readers to pause and reflect. The Well of Sunken Dreams isn’t meant to be hurried through; it’s designed to linger, to be reread, and to offer new discoveries with each visit.
My goal was to craft poetry that feels both accessible and profound, connecting deeply personal themes with universal resonance. For anyone seeking an emotional or intellectual escape, I hope this collection becomes a source of inspiration.
Highlights from the Collection
While every poem holds its own meaning, here are some of the aspects I’m particularly proud of:
- Atmospheric Imagery: I aimed to create vivid pictures with my words, transporting readers to dreamscapes and the shadowy corners of memory.
- Emotional Depth: These poems come from a raw and unfiltered place, offering moments of catharsis and connection.
- Timeless Themes: From love and longing to identity and mortality, this collection touches on ideas that have always fascinated me and, I believe, resonate with us all.
Sharing My Journey
Writing The Well of Sunken Dreams has been one of the most rewarding creative experiences of my life. Through my website, scottandrewbailey.com, I’ve shared this collection and other works that reflect my passion for exploring the depths of the human experience.
An Invitation to Dive In
For me, poetry isn’t just about words on a page; it’s about the emotions and thoughts they evoke in the reader. With The Well of Sunken Dreams, I invite you to join me in exploring a world shaped by imagination and insight.
Are you ready to take the plunge? Visit scottandrewbailey.com to order your copy today and let yourself sink into the depths of my dreams.
Breathing
By Scott Bailey © 2018
Only hear the stream
Babbling toward the ocean
The breath of the air
In response to https://ronovanwrites.com/2018/02/19/ronovanwrites-weekly-haiku-poetry-prompt-challenge-189-zennoise/
#Ronovan Writes Haiku Challenge
Present
By Scott Bailey © 2018
The past is hazy but warm
The present cold, hard and discontented
The future unsure
The goal
The route
Hidden
In response to the daily prompt Present
#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday
The Cock
The resplendent cock
Struts and crows, feathers rich red
While the hens scatter
In response to Colleen’s Weekly #Tanka Tuesday #Poetry Challenge, No. 71: Character & Affection, #SnyonymsOnly
#Haiku
Scott Andrew Bailey - Author 