By Scott Bailey © 2016
Lightning flash charges
The rain drenched primordial dawn
A spark of life stirs

In response to RonovanWrites #Weekly #Haiku #Poetry Prompt #Challenge #96 Lightning&Rain
#Ronovan Writes Haiku Challenge
Lightning flash charges
The rain drenched primordial dawn
A spark of life stirs

In response to RonovanWrites #Weekly #Haiku #Poetry Prompt #Challenge #96 Lightning&Rain
#Ronovan Writes Haiku Challenge
A silk-lined invite
Lures the hedonist inward
Down the dragon’s jaws

In response to RonovanWrites #Weekly #Haiku #Poetry Prompt #Challenge #95 Dragon&Invite
#Ronovan Writes Haiku Challenge
Pearls of wisdom fade
Becomes as hard as diamond
Implacable thought
In response to RonovanWrites #Weekly #Haiku #Poetry Prompt #Challenge #94 Diamonds&Pearls

#Ronovan Writes Haiku Challenge
The vale veiled in mist
Treetops fray misty tendrils
Sunlight melts it down
In response to RonovanWrites #Weekly #Haiku #Poetry Prompt #Challenge #91 Fray&Veiled

#Ronovan #Writes #Haiku #Challenge
Intent on life’s path
We do not see the meadow’s
Beauty all around
In response to RonovanWrites #Weekly #Haiku #Poetry Prompt #Challenge #92 Life&Path

#Ronovan Writes Haiku Challenge
See the sunlight play
In every dancing drop
A laughing shower

In response to RonovanWrites #Weekly #Haiku #Poetry Prompt #Challenge #89 Shower&Play
#Ronovan #Writes #Haiku #Challenge
Through glasses
Through windows
Through windscreens
Through the artificial glare of the plasma screen
Through a camera’s lense
Filtered life
Protecting us
From rain and wind
And
Real steel
Real cold
Real hot blood
Real

Where the wild wood weaves
And the willow weeps
Where the deep dark dwells
And the savage sunlight sleeps
Where the serpents writhe
Around a blood-red spear
Where the wicked glance
Then turn away in fear
Where children’s happy sighs
Are swallowed in the night
Never really here
Just memory’s separate sight
Where my heart does plunge
In the empty space of dreams
Where vision fades from eyes
And air congeals with screams
Where ancient stone walls fall
Where poets finally cease
Cease.

There are 164,889 charities in the UK
164,889 ways
The government is failing in its duties
164,889 ways
The people are not

There is a storm coming
What do we do?
Plant daffodils and discuss
Have bake-offs
Write poetry
Document and photograph
So at least the survivors of the storm
Will have
An accurate record
Of the things we did
And did not do

When the last heartbeat of the last child
Has faded into silence
The mighty universe
Will not care
Which is a
Shame
For
There
Is nothing
That can magnify
Its vast magnificence
More than the wonder
Reflected in the shine of a child’s curious eye

By Scott Bailey © 2015
On a dark peak
In a lofty castle tower
Firelight glints on gold
The flames are the consummation
Of a million dreams
The gold is the gifts
That the few exchange
As they gather
To sharpen their swords
Hone their skills
Readying
To chase away the wolves
Release the hounds
And take control
Of the docile cattle herds

We don’t understand
The fight between them and us
There is only us

Soon
They will realise
That their spin
Their media hype
Is failing
Now
One has come
To threaten
Their way of life
Not ours
As the spin machines spews
But theirs
Their way of life
Of easy deception and greed
Of spinning tales of woe
Cutting and taxing
While smirking with contempt
And lining their pockets
With our aid
Let’s see
What happens
When they realise
The spin
No longer works

A drowned boy
Drawn from the sea
Fled from death to death
Burns in our minds
Burns in our hearts
Fans the flames of passion
Just before
The call to war

By Scott Bailey © 2015
A warming curry
A red beer in a tall glass
And Only Connect

Shacks stacked
Corrugated walls
Tetering high
Rambling high
Shambling streets
Congested flesh
Diluted souls
Wasted lives
One hundred
Million dollars
Empty rooms
Cloudy palace

Beaten
Blind numb
Afraid
To dream
Without sleep
Broken
Blind dumb
Weary
Time worn
Plodding

This is my tithe
The part of my life
That I give to my lord
To survive
My uses are his
My flesh and my blood
So I am here
On this field
Shoulder to shoulder
With my fellow men
Shields edge to edge
Spears raised
For the right to go on
Feed my wife and my son
To stave hunger away
One more year
Death faces us down
With it’s bloodstained gown
As the line ahead draws
Ever closer
The enemy jeers
Clashing their spears
Moving their wall
Close to ours
And I see in their eyes
They are bound by their tithes
To kill for their lord
Just like me

From the reds of passion to the blues of melancholy, explore the full spectrum of emotions in my latest poetry collection. #PoetryCommunity #ColoursOfLife

A collection of poems tied together by colours – they look at the world in different hues and the emotions they bring. They examine how we associate certain colours with certain themes and moods. Most of all they are painting with words.
My new poetry collection offers 365 moments of contemplation. Explore a variety of forms and emotions, and let each poem brighten your day. #PoetryCollection #DailyPoems

Dive into a vibrant world of poetry with 365 pieces crafted from dreams and emotions, each one a daily gift for an entire year. This collection features an array of forms including haiku, sonnets, katauta, lanturnes, and free verse, each poem reflecting the myriad moods of life. Experience the ebb and flow of sadness and grief, joy and love, captured in every verse.
Let these poems be a bright spot in your day, offering a serene moment of reflection amidst the chaos of life. Embrace the opportunity to pause, contemplate, and see the world through a different lens.
Taunting thunder
Bring on the storm
Rail against the rain
Scream at the sea’s form
But the storm rages on
The rain lashes skin
The sea eats the land
And sweeps on in
Still and steadfastly
Stands the ancient oak
Stretched beneath the sun
Or a frosty cloak
Weathers every storm
Watching briefer lives
Rushing by at work
Like bees in hives
Yet even this strong trunk
Well one day bend and break
As time drinks strength
A thirst it cannot slake
So rail on against the rain
Rage against the storm
Swim against the tide
While blood still runs warm

Pressure breaks them, revolution remakes them. Join the journey in ‘Mankind Limited’. #DystopianNovel #MankindLimited

In a world where control and surveillance dictate every aspect of life, four individuals find themselves at a breaking point. But instead of succumbing to the oppressive regime, they shatter the walls of deceit and propaganda, stepping boldly into a realm of revolution.
Each character, in their own unique way, vows to dismantle the established order. Their journey is fraught with peril, as they face formidable forces—both from the state and from within their own minds. As their paths intertwine, they traverse a dangerous road, leading to the discovery of an ancient secret that could change everything.
This compelling narrative delves deep into the human spirit under relentless pressure, revealing how different people respond to the crushing weight of everyday oppression. It’s a story of breaking down and rebuilding, of rebellion driven by diverse motivations and methods.
On another level, this book offers a profound critique of capitalism and free markets, exposing their darker sides. It challenges us to consider whether humanity has doomed itself or if we still possess the strength to divert from the perilous path we’ve set for our society.
Join these four rebels on a gripping journey of resistance, revelation, and the fight for a better future. Get your copy today and discover if the human race can still find hope amid the chaos.
The robin in his nest
Perched in the naked branches
Of the blasted tree
Three winds blown
Over the black, sore plain
Wisps of smoke rise
And stings his eyes
Faint embers glow
All around
The hot storm has howled
Now the beast is grounded
Never to rise again
A hard winter will fall
The nest will freeze
No more tears
Will wet the plain
In response to the daily prompt Nest

#DailyPrompt #iamwriting
Find a moment of peace in your busy day with my collection of 365 poems. From joy to sorrow, each poem is a reflection of life’s many moods. #Poetry #DailyInspiration

Uncover the magic of poetry with our latest collection! This anthology features 365 poems, each crafted with dreams and deep emotions, published daily over a year. Experience a variety of forms—haikus, sonnets, katautas, lanturnes, and free form—that capture a wide range of moods and reflections.
Each poem offers a moment of contemplation, a brief escape from the stress of everyday life. With themes of sadness, joy, love, and grief, these poems provide a touch of inspiration and a fresh perspective.
Invest in this collection to enrich your daily routine and find beauty in every day. Dive into the rhythm of poetry and let it transform your world. Don’t miss out—get your copy today!
Amber brown bristles
Fletched true
Sighted
On the smooth straight shaft
Knocked
Creak of wood
And leather
Tense flesh
Strength of arm
Years
Of hard work
Hard life
Peaked
In tense flesh
Aimed
Deep russet red
Undulating tight
Over perfect form
Moving with surety
Strength and grace
Slender neck
Proud eyes
High points
Antlers spectacular
Slow high-speed
Flight
True
Through high trunks
Ancient towers
Sturdy and rough
Flicking leaves
Pungent smell
Of spilt sap
Over lazy ferns
Struck
Sunk deep
In perfect flesh
Deep russet red
Covered in bright
Fresh crimson
Hunter
Has hunted
Dusk
Deep red sky
Flecked with sparks
Orange
Embers fly
On aroma
Of roasted flesh
Venison
Consumed
Hunter sated
For now
Started awake
Cold
Stone and straw
Shit and piss
And chains
A dream
Of a memory
Despite all
A happy dream
Amidst horror
And darkness
Weakness
Flesh wasted
In forgotten depths
Waiting
For nothing
Time drips
Away
Into nothing
Sodden straw
Stronger arms
Clad in chain
Dragged from darkness
Down cold
Stone corridors
Into light
Hammering eyes
Screams and shouts
Hammering ears
Then rope
And wood
Strong scent
Of wet rope
Rough against
Weak neck
And wood
Creaking underfoot
Screams and jeers
A clunk
Freedom from weight
From the wait
Exhilaration
Then……

Adrenaline fuels
The pounding pulse of the hunt
That only blood sates

Discover the unexpected in “Thirteen Tales About Ghosts.” Not all spirits are vengeful; some lead to joy and peace. But not all. Are you brave enough to find out? #GhostStories #SpookyReads

Discover the unexpected in “Thirteen Ghostly Tales” – a collection that goes beyond traditional ghost stories. Encounter vengeful spirits, sorrowful phantoms, and playful spectres reliving their joyous pasts. Each story leads the haunted to different fates – some find peace and joy, while others are taken down darker, inescapable paths.
Dive into these hauntingly diverse tales, but be warned – don’t get too comfortable. Embrace the eerie and the extraordinary with “Thirteen Ghostly Tales.”
I have lost my way
Forgotten how to play
This game
Fury are my bones
Propping up flesh
Seeking the earth
With groans
So
Fury keeps me going
Until it is doused

There’s a fire in the mist
Down in the green sleepy valley
There’s a fire in the mist
A cherry glow shrouded by grey
Growing
If it grows much more
It will burn off the grey sleepy tendrils of morning
And lay waste to the trees

Take a break from the hurried pace of life and immerse yourself in my fantasy poetry collection. Each poem is a story that unfolds with time and attention. #PoetryCollection #FantasyWorlds
Including
An experimental poem that follows a strict but simple mathematical pattern. The challenge to myself here was to constrain myself by the rules I adopted – i.e. First section is one verse, one line, one syllable. The second section is two verses, each two lines long and each line two syllables. And so on.
Within that constraint, I had no story, plan or any idea of where I would go. It was to be a stream of consciousness. My thoughts were free to wander only confined and channeled by the form I had imposed on them. Hence the title.

In an age of instant gratification and short attention spans, I decided to defy the trend by offering something with both greater length and depth.
The poems in this collection were written over an extended period for various purposes. They are diverse, lengthy, and each represents a significant challenge. Every poem tested my ability to maintain high-quality writing over a long duration and within strict formal constraints while still telling a compelling story. They also pose a challenge to the reader, inviting you to escape the relentless rush of daily life and take the time to truly absorb each piece.
Such effort deserves a reward. These poems are not meant for a quick fix. If readers invest their time and effort, they should find ongoing value, whether through contemplation of what they’ve read or by revisiting and discovering new insights with each reading. My final challenge was to provide this depth of content, ensuring that it offers more than just quantity.
Oppression pushes them, rebellion defines them. Read ‘Mankind Limited’ now! #MankindLimited #MustRead

In a world where every aspect of life is meticulously controlled and measured, four individuals find themselves at a breaking point. But instead of succumbing to the oppression, they shatter the walls of deceit and propaganda, stepping into a realm of revolution.
Each of them, in their unique way, commits to overthrowing the established order. Their journey is fraught with obstacles, from state forces to their own self-doubt. As their paths converge, they embark on a perilous road that leads to the discovery of an ancient secret.
On one level, this story delves into how different people react to the relentless pressure of everyday oppression. It examines their journeys as they are broken and rebuilt, exploring their motivations and methods of rebellion.
On another level, it critiques the darker side of capitalism and free markets, questioning whether these systems have driven us away from the evolutionary advantages that once made us dominant. It challenges us to consider whether humanity has doomed itself or still has the potential to break free from the rigid path society has imposed.
A golden charm hangs
Twisted tear between her breasts
Hungry wolves look on

In response to RonovanWrites #Weekly #Haiku #Poetry Prompt #Challenge #75
Reflect on the unfulfilled dreams and daily battles with this poignant poetry collection. #MiddleAge #PoeticTruths

Being a middle-aged aged man – I do middle-aged man things. Sometimes. One is meeting with my middle-aged friend and getting nostalgic over a pint or two of beer.
Like many others.
We contemplate how things were better, how the youth of today are missing out on what he had.
Out of these conversations came a realisation, one that we found was articulated with frightening clarity by Mark Fisher in “Capitalist Realism, Is there No Alternative”. He makes the observation that we are of a generation that was sold a dream, a dream that did not come true. We were told that if we worked hard, and dedicated ourselves we would do well.
Well we did, work hard, for many years. Blood sweat and tears making our employees successful, generating profit and success.
But not for us. We still struggle in the day to day reality. We fight the rising cost of living and the shadow that were a few bad weeks away from homelessness or worse.
The dreams was a lie. And there is nothing left we can do about it.
This collection of poems is a reflection of my thoughts about this and other darker aspects of modern life. In my other collections I like to balance this side of my ruminations with more optimistic explorations. This did not seem appropriate here. This is my equivalent of a grunge phase.
It also contains largely previously unpublished works that have not appeared anywhere else.
So, stick on those goth tunes and wallow in the well of sunken dreams.
Embark on a poetic journey of 365 pieces, each a unique expression born from dreams and emotions. Spanning diverse forms like haiku, sonnets, and free verse, they mirror my daily mood—ranging from sadness to joy, grief to love.
Amid life’s chaos, these poems offer a brief respite, inviting readers to pause and view the world through a new lens. Join me in discovering solace and reflection within the lines of each verse.

A blatant, carefree affair leads to some odd visions and strange happenings in an ancient cottage in the sticks.

A collection of short stories concerning ghosts. Some are traditional ghost stories in the tradition of M.R. James and Edgar Allan Poe. Other are not. Some scare, some are fun. Some play with the concept of a ghost. There are ghosts who are out for revenge and the living avenging the spirits that curse them.
Ideal for sitting around a campfire and late at night under the covers. Or maybe not if the stories themselves are any guide.
Check it out at Amazon.
A paperback version is now available for those who prefer the feel of the paper while huddling by the fire – on your own – in the dark – with that noise behind you……
This is a play with a difference. Shakespeare’s ghost scene, the dead Dane, will never seem the same again to this band of oddball actors drawn together by their passion.

A collection of short stories concerning ghosts. Some are traditional ghost stories in the tradition of M.R. James and Edgar Allan Poe. Others are not. Some scare, some are fun. Some play with the concept of a ghost. There are ghosts who are out for revenge and the living avenging the spirits that curse them.
Ideal for sitting around a campfire and late at night under the covers. Or maybe not if the stories themselves are any guide.
Check it out at Amazon.
A paperback version is now available for those who prefer the feel of the paper while huddling by the fire – on your own – in the dark – with that noise behind you……
Find a moment of peace in your busy day with my collection of 365 poems. From joy to sorrow, each poem is a reflection of life’s many moods. #Poetry #DailyInspiration

Discover the magic of poetry with 365 poems crafted from dreams and deep emotions, published daily over a year. This collection includes haikus, sonnets, katautas, lanturnes, and free form, capturing a wide range of moods and experiences—from sadness and grief to joy and love.
Take a moment each day to pause and reflect on the world through these diverse and heartfelt poems. They offer a brief escape from the stress of everyday life, providing a fresh perspective and a touch of inspiration. Dive into the rhythm of poetry and let it enrich your daily routine.
“Thirteen Tales About Ghosts” – a collection that explores the many faces of the supernatural. Will you find peace, joy, or dread in these haunting tales? #Paranormal #HauntedTales
Including:
A hedonistic night out on their bikes – nothing new until an unexpected twist in events opens up new ways to waste their time – and their deaths.

Introducing thirteen tales that delve into the realm of the supernatural, each featuring ghosts in unique and unexpected ways. While you’ll encounter vengeful spirits, you’ll also find those who are sorrowful. Some stories bring haunting messages from the past, while others feature playful spirits revelling in memories of their former lives.
These spectral visitors might guide the haunted towards peace and joy, but beware – some will lead you down darker paths from which there is no return.
Embrace the eerie allure of these tales, but be warned – don’t get too comfortable. Enjoy the ride!
Discover a collection of poems that defy the trend of instant gratification. Each fantasy poem is crafted with care, challenging you to linger and discover its layers. #Poetry #FantasyLiterature
Including
A poetic tale of magic, ambition and its consequences. Four powerful courtiers use their magic to summon a perfect golden man, pouring their dreams and desires into him. But of course, their aims secretly conflict against each other and within this being of ultimate power!

In an era of instant gratification and fleeting attention spans, I decided to defy the trend by offering something with both greater length and depth.
The poems in this collection were crafted over an extended period for various purposes. They are diverse yet uniformly lengthy and challenging. Each poem posed a personal challenge to maintain high-quality writing over a long duration within strict formal constraints while still telling a compelling story. They also challenge the reader to escape the constant rush of daily life, to slow down, and take the time to truly absorb the content.
Such effort deserves a reward. These poems are not meant to be a quick fix. If readers invest their time and effort, they should reap the benefits through ongoing contemplation or by revisiting and discovering new insights with each reading. My final challenge was to provide this depth of content – ensuring it offers more than just quantity.
Capitalism’s dark side unveiled in ‘Mankind Limited’. A story of hope and rebellion. #ThoughtProvoking #MankindLimited

Dive into a gripping dystopian world where every aspect of life is measured and controlled. In Mankind Limited, follow the journey of four individuals who break through walls of deceit and propaganda, igniting a revolution against oppressive forces.
Witness their personal battles against the state and self-doubt as they embark on a dangerous road, converging on the discovery of an ancient secret.
This isn’t just a story about rebellion; it’s a powerful critique on the darker side of capitalism and the relentless pressure of everyday oppression. ‘Mankind Limited’ explores how we can reclaim our humanity and questions if we still have the capacity to change our course.
Join the revolution. Read ‘Mankind Limited’ now!
…. keeps the stress away. Dive into my collection of 365 poems, filled with various forms and emotions. #PoetryLovers #365Poems

Three hundred and sixty-five poems in all shapes and sizes, sprung from dreams and emotion. Published day after day for a year. There are haiku, sonnets, katauta, lanturnes and many other forms – including free form. The moods are as varied as the forms and often reflect my mood on the day. There is sadness and grief, joy and love.
If nothing else – these can provide a small moment in everyone’s stressful lives to stop and contemplate the world in a different way.
Vengeful spirits, playful ghosts, and haunting messages await you in “Thirteen Tales About Ghosts.” Each story offers a unique glimpse into the world beyond. #Paranormal #GhostlyTales

As the title says – thirteen tales about ghosts. Yet, while ghosts feature in them all – not all are traditional ghost stories.
You will find the vengeful spirit but also the plaintiff one. The haunting message from the past and the playful spirits capturing the joy of their past lives.
Some of these visitors from beyond lead the haunted to peace and joy – others take them on much darker paths to places with no return.
Enjoy them – just don’t get too comfortable.
In a world that rushes, my new poetry collection stands still. Dive into long fantasy poems that reward patience and contemplation. #FantasyPoetry #DeepReading
I danced upon a midnight cloud,
As stars sang out your name aloud.
I danced so much, I slipped and fell,
A trail of stardust following.

In these times of quick gratification and short attention spans, I decided to try and buck the trend and present something not only with greater length but also depth.
The poems in this collection were written over a long period and for different purposes. They are varied but they are all long. And they all represent challenges. Each was a challenge to myself, to sustain a quality of writing for a long period and within tight constraints of form while still telling a story. They also represent and challenge to the reader. The challenge to throw off the pressure of everyday life, the pressure to hurry, hurry, hurry to take the time to read something, absorb it over time.
Such effort needs reward, these poems should not be a one-time quick fix. If the reader is going to put that effort in then there should be a payoff, they should be able to continue to get something from it afterwards. Whether that be from contemplation of what they have digested or from revisiting, rereading and seeing things they missed the first time around. So the final challenge to me was to provide this depth of content – not just quantity.
Dive into a spectrum of emotions and thoughts with my new poetry collection, where each poem is rooted in the beauty of colour. Experience the infinite variety of our universe through vibrant words. #PoetryCollection #ColorsInWords

I was perusing my poetry collection with the intention of putting together a collection of new, largely unpublished poems. This collection is not that. As I was going through all my poems I noticed that I have a tendency to use colours in the titles, and even when I do not the poem is often rooted in the idea of colour.
So, I decided to do a second collection while I was at it. A collection of poems bound together by the theme of colour. A spectrum of thoughts and moments reflecting the infinite colour and variety of the universe in which we dwell.
Reflect on the illusions of success and the harsh truths of modern existence with ‘The Well of Sunken Dreams.‘ These poems are a haunting reminder of the dreams that never came true. #Poetry #Illusions”

Being a middle-aged aged man – I do middle-aged man things. Sometimes. One is meeting with my middle-aged friend and getting nostalgic over a pint or two of beer.
Like many others.
We contemplate how things were better, how the youth of today are missing out on what he had.
Out of these conversations came a realisation, one that we found was articulated with frightening clarity by Mark Fisher in “Capitalist Realism, Is there No Alternative”. He makes the observation that we are of a generation that was sold a dream, a dream that did not come true. We were told that if we worked hard, and dedicated ourselves we would do well.
Well we did, work hard, for many years. Blood sweat and tears making our employees successful, generating profit and success.
But not for us. We still struggle in the day to day reality. We fight the rising cost of living and the shadow that were a few bad weeks away from homelessness or worse.
The dreams was a lie. And there is nothing left we can do about it.
This collection of poems is a reflection of my thoughts about this and other darker aspects of modern life. In my other collections I like to balance this side of my ruminations with more optimistic explorations. This did not seem appropriate here. This is my equivalent of a grunge phase.
It also contains largely previously unpublished works that have not appeared anywhere else.
So, stick on those goth tunes and wallow in the well of sunken dreams.
Dive into the depths of reflection with this raw and poignant collection. Explore the disillusionment of a generation sold a dream that never materialized. Through unfiltered verses, uncover the truth of modern existence and confront the harsh realities of unfulfilled promises. This is poetry that speaks to the soul, offering solace in shared experiences and a glimpse into the shadows of our collective consciousness.
Experience the world through a kaleidoscope of emotions in this vibrant anthology. Journey through verses intricately woven with the hues of life, each colour painting a unique narrative on the canvas of existence. From the depths of sorrow to the heights of joy, explore the myriad shades that define our dreams and aspirations. Embark on this poetic odyssey where words and colours intertwine, inviting you to immerse yourself in the beauty of expression.
Both collections promise an unforgettable exploration of the human experience, inviting you to delve deeper into the realms of thought and imagination. Get ready to be captivated, inspired, and moved by the power of poetry.

Get ready for a spine-tingling journey into the world of the supernatural. “Thirteen Tales (of Ghosts)” by Scott Bailey offers a diverse collection of ghost stories that will send shivers down your spine. Are you brave enough to dive in? #GhostStories

As the title says – thirteen tales about ghosts. Yet, while ghosts feature in them all – not all are traditional ghost stories.
You will find the vengeful spirit but also the plaintiff one. The haunting message from the past and the playful spirits capturing the joy of their past lives.
Some of these visitors from beyond lead the haunted to peace and joy – others take them on much darker paths to places with no return.
Enjoy them – just don’t get too comfortable.
Explore the beauty of words and intricate storytelling in “Andervayne’s Dream and Other Poems.” These poems are more than just verses; they are an invitation to dive deep into a world of emotion and reflection. Get your copy on Amazon:

In these times of quick gratification and short attention spans, I decided to try and buck the trend and present something not only with greater length but also depth.
The poems in this collection were written over a long period and for different purposes. They are varied but they are all long. And they all represent challenges. Each was a challenge to myself, to sustain a quality of writing for a long period and within tight constraints of form while still telling a story. They also represent and challenge to the reader. The challenge to throw off the pressure of everyday life, the pressure to hurry, hurry, hurry to take the time to read something, absorb it over time.
Such effort needs reward, these poems should not be a one-time quick fix. If the reader is going to put that effort in then there should be a payoff, they should be able to continue to get something from it afterwards. Whether that be from contemplation of what they have digested or from revisiting, rereading and seeing things they missed the first time around. So the final challenge to me was to provide this depth of content – not just quantity.