By Scott Bailey © 2026
I want back
The future I was promised
The rewards
For years of dedication, loyalty, determination
The share of the fruits of my labour
Instead
We have the emptiness
That was always
Behind the lies
In response to malformed_poetry’s prompt
https://www.threads.com/@malformed_poetry/post/DTQNfWHgqCW?xmt=AQF0AVJbQkkLzqJyO8c77M7OauJEjiSFMDR4GsroOerTYKbTxvQ1J1_YihrMxTk9H91UUYKe&slof=1
By Scott Bailey © 2026
The width and depth of the hole
Is immeasurable
The place where you should be
Is so empty
The opposite of what you were in life
If only the living
Could tell their dead
The immeasurable width and depth
Of your impact in life
In response to malformed_poetry’s prompt
By Scott Bailey © 2026
Hands were proffered
Slapped away
Invites offered
I said, not today
If only
If only
If only
I would not be grieving
Eluded joy
In response to malformed_poetry’s prompt
https://www.threads.com/@malformed_poetry/post/DTLC85djCRF?xmt=AQF0uoQKfXRNFAMGGG4K2zGIsJlHtlHGB1rSJCqw16opDUYRbif9LA-xASAcDq_A6tuz-48&slof=1
By Scott Bailey © 2026
Step by step
Trembling, shuffling
Step by step
On the narrow span of stone
Stretching off into darkness
Unknown length
Vertigo threatening
Trembling, shuffling
Step by step
Pressed forward
By the weight of the crowd behind
Who need you
To continue
Step by step
Trembling, shuffling
Not courage
Not duty
Just the weight of need
Of the others
In response to malformed_poetry’s prompt
https://www.threads.com/@malformed_poetry/post/DTIfNARjrqN?xmt=AQF00EwUoDRZLgvJfRRUMgEpyIo4jjUpkaSiZN2_r39zpmEwXg4NXYUti925aq459pARpFm_&slof=1
By Scott Bailey © 2026
I’ve been trying all my life to understand,
What I am
What I should be.
Now I wonder, should I have?
Or should I just have been?
In response to malformed_poetry’s prompt.
The list is out
The top dogs preen
While those who put on the show
Count their gains
And the mongrels
Sniff out the scraps
On the ground
In response to the daily prompt Pedigree
#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday
The slight light
Of the dawn
Brings dread
Worry
When it should bring hope
What happened?
When did the light
Seep
In response to the daily prompt Slight
#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday
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.
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.
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.
While every poem holds its own meaning, here are some of the aspects I’m particularly proud of:
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.
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.
Our minds need respite. They need distraction but not mindless, not trash. They need feeding. We all know this. We all forget it.
There have been many times I have been stuck in the deep, cloying pool of stress or simply stuck on a problem I cannot solve. The resolution has most often been to do something else. Something that engages the mind differently. This frees your subconscious to solve the issues for you. So often after such a period, the solution presents itself.
Many great thinkers and creatives have employed this method. Both Darwin and Einstein for example took walks in the country and let their minds be engorged with its beauty. For others, it has been music.
I present here another option. Poetry. A whole collection in fact – one for each day of the year.
So when you’re stuck, or just in a fuzz that you need to shake – pick up “A Spring of Dreams”, read one poem – contemplate it. Give your mind the break it deserves.
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.
Behind every poem in “The Well of Sunken Dreams” lies a story, an image, or an idea that has haunted me. Inspiration comes in unexpected forms: fragments of dreams, the fleeting beauty of nature, the aching feeling of memories, and the shadowed corners of the imagination. This collection is as much a reflection of my own inner world as it is an offering to you, the reader, to see where it leads you. If you’re intrigued by the source of inspiration, step into “The Well of Sunken Dreams” and see what stirs.
“The Well of Sunken Dreams” is a collection inspired by what lies beyond the ordinary. Each poem invites the reader to ponder the unseen—the untold stories of our hearts, minds, and dreams. These poems traverse themes of longing, nostalgia, and the eerie beauty of the unknown. Are you curious to explore the boundaries between reality and reverie? This collection might be exactly what you’re searching for.
In a world of chaos, poetry offers a sanctuary—a place where emotions find depth and meaning. “The Well of Sunken Dreams” isn’t just a poetry collection; it’s an invitation to dive beneath the surface, where words unlock hidden worlds. Every poem in this collection opens a portal to the landscapes of introspection, love, loss, and mystery. If you’re looking for poetry that resonates with your deepest emotions, I invite you to take a dip into these waters and explore. What dreams might you unearth?
Journey through the darkness of unfulfilled dreams with ‘The Well of Sunken Dreams.’ These poems offer a raw and honest reflection on the harsh realities of existence. #Poetry #Journey”
Embark on a Dark Journey with This Poetry Collection
As a middle-aged man, I find myself doing the things typical of someone my age—catching up with friends over a pint, reminiscing about the past, and lamenting the present. Like many of us, we look back fondly, convinced that things were better, and wonder what today’s youth are missing.
But out of these conversations emerged a stark realization, one that Mark Fisher articulated so chillingly in Capitalist Realism: Is There No Alternative?—we are a generation that was sold a dream, a promise that if we worked hard and stayed the course, success would follow. And so, we did. We toiled, poured our blood, sweat, and tears into making others rich, generating profits that were never ours.
Yet here we are, still struggling, still fighting against a tide that threatens to pull us under with every passing day. The cost of living climbs higher, and the shadow of homelessness looms ever closer. The dream we were sold was a lie, and we are left with the bitter taste of reality.
This collection of poems is my response to that lie—a reflection on the darker aspects of modern life. Unlike my previous works, where I’ve tried to find a balance with optimism, this collection delves deep into the shadows. This is my grunge phase, a raw and unfiltered exploration of a world gone awry.
Inside, you’ll find pieces that have never been published before, thoughts that have lingered in the dark corners of my mind, now brought to light.
So, put on your favourite goth tunes, and join me on this journey into the depths of sunken dreams. Embrace the darkness, and find solace in knowing that you are not alone in feeling the weight of a world that promised so much and delivered so little.
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.
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!
Colours speak louder than words! Discover my latest poetry collection, where each piece is inspired by a different hue, reflecting the myriad shades of life. #Poetry #ColourfulVerses
While organizing my poetry collection, I aimed to compile a selection of new, largely unpublished works. However, I discovered a recurring theme: an intrinsic connection to colours in my poem titles and content. Inspired by this realization, I decided to create a second collection centred around the theme of colour. This anthology captures a spectrum of thoughts and moments, reflecting on the infinite hues and variety of our universe.
I am excited to present this vibrant collection to you. Dive into a kaleidoscope of emotions and experiences, all beautifully intertwined with the essence of colour.
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.
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.
“Join me in unravelling the tangled web of our generation’s unfulfilled promises: a poetic exploration of disillusionment. #UnfulfilledPromises #PoeticJourney”
As a middle-aged man, I often engage in typical middle-aged activities. One of those is meeting with my similarly aged friends and getting nostalgic over a pint or two of beer.
Like many others, we ponder how things seemed better in the past, believing the youth of today are missing out on what we had.
From these conversations emerged a realization, articulated with striking clarity by Mark Fisher in “Capitalist Realism, Is There No Alternative?”. He observed that our generation was sold a dream that never materialized. We were told that hard work and dedication would ensure our success.
We did work hard, for many years, pouring our blood, sweat, and tears into making our employers successful and profitable.
But not for ourselves. We continue to struggle with the daily reality of rising living costs and the ever-present threat of a few bad weeks away from homelessness or worse.
The dream was a lie. And there’s nothing left we can do about it.
This collection of poems reflects my thoughts on this and other darker aspects of modern life. Unlike my other collections, which balance these ruminations with more optimistic themes, this one does not. Consider it my equivalent of a grunge phase.
It also features largely unpublished works that haven’t appeared elsewhere.
So, put on those goth tunes and immerse yourself in the well of sunken dreams.
…. 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.
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.
In response to Scott’s Daily Prompt, Cliche
A bird in the hand
Is not worth
Two in the bush
The two in the bush are free
The one in the hand will wither
The two in the bush will multiply
Bring forth bounty
The one in the hand will need feeding
Care and Tenderness
The hand that holds
Is neither tender nor caring
Scott Andrew Bailey - Author 