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.

Rambling through Dreams

A random ramble through riotous thoughts channelled through a strict poetic form with strange and unexpected results.

Follow the expanding maze of words and see where it leads you.

Andervayne's Dream

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.

A Kights Tale or A Life?

A fantasy tale of a Knight’s struggles and adventures that is a veiled allegory for modern life. But what does it tell us? What do you take from it?

Andervayne's Dream

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.

Fantasy in the Clouds

Fly on clouds with fantastical characters in an escape from the everyday! This poem offers no secrets, no hidden, agenda and presents simply joy and fantasy for the sake of it. This is the child at play spraying words like water splashed from a puddle in ecstasy.

Take time out, enjoy and ease your troubled adult mind – find the child again.

Andervayne's Dream

A Delightful Escape into Fantasy: A Lighthearted and Enchanting Poem

Slow down and savour the depth of my fantasy poetry collection. Each long poem is a story that unfolds with time and attention. #FantasyPoetry #LiteraryDepth

The Star Dancer

The Tales of the Star Dancer

Dive into a world where imagination knows no bounds with this enchanting poem. Unlike the dark and heavy themes often found in modern poetry, this piece offers a refreshing and whimsical escape. Its unique format, characterised by twinned verses, adds an intriguing structure without confining the magic within.

This poem is a joyous flight of fantasy, a celebration of magic and wonder. It’s a playful journey through a world where anything is possible, where the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary, and where every line invites you to let your imagination soar.

As you read, you’ll find yourself swept away by the sheer fun and freedom of the verses. The playful rhythm and enchanting imagery will transport you to a realm where reality fades, and the fantastical reigns supreme. It’s a delightful reminder of the joy that comes from letting go and simply enjoying the ride.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of poetry or just looking for a lighthearted read, this poem is sure to captivate your heart and imagination. It’s a perfect antidote to the stresses of everyday life, offering a moment of pure, unadulterated fun.

Don’t miss out on this charming escape into a world of fantasy and magic. Embrace the whimsical, the magical, and the lighthearted with this delightful poem. Get your copy today and let your imagination run wild!

Embrace the Challenge: A Collection of Poems for the Patient Reader

In an era of instant gratification and fleeting attention spans, I’ve chosen to go against the grain, offering a collection that embraces both length and depth.

The poems in this collection span a long period and were crafted for diverse purposes. They vary in theme and style, but they share two key characteristics: they are lengthy and they present challenges. Each poem challenged me to maintain a high quality of writing over an extended length while adhering to strict forms, all the while telling a compelling story. They also present a challenge to you, the reader: to set aside the rush of everyday life, to resist the urge to hurry, and to take the time to immerse yourself in a more substantial reading experience.

Such an effort deserves a reward. These poems are not meant to be quick fixes or one-time reads. If you invest your time and attention, you will find a lasting payoff. Whether through contemplation of the themes and stories or through revisiting and rereading, discovering new layers and insights with each read, these poems offer a depth of content that extends beyond mere quantity.

So, I invite you to accept this challenge. Slow down, take your time, and dive deep into these poems. Allow them to unfold their richness and provide you with a meaningful and enduring experience.

Fantasy Worlds in Poetic Form

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

Consciousness Cubed

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.

Enter the dreams of Escape

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!

The Golden Man

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.

Take time, Escape and Contemplate

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.

The Star Dancer

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.

Fantasy, Epics and Dreams

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.

Fantasy Epic Poetry

Dive into a world of extended storytelling through poetry. “Andervayne’s Dream and Other Poems” offers a lasting literary experience that encourages revisiting and rediscovery.

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.

Something not only with greater length but also depth

Andervayne’s Dream and Other Poems – teaser

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life and savour the rich, lingering experience of Scott Andrew Bailey’s long-form poems. These verses are a testament to the power of patience and reflection.

#poetry #epicpoetry

Andervaynes Dream Excerpt

Andervayne’s Dream and other Poems

Amidst a culture of instant gratification, I sought to defy the norm by offering a collection that values both length and depth. These poems, crafted over time, are not just long but layered with challenges. They push the boundaries of form and storytelling, inviting readers to slow down and savor the experience.

As a writer, my aim was to provide a lasting reward for those willing to invest their time and attention. This collection isn’t a quick fix—it’s an invitation to explore, contemplate, and discover nuances with each revisit. Join me in embracing the challenge of depth over brevity.

Consciousness Cubed

Unlike the other poems in this collection, this is not a tale. Instead, it is a stream of consciousness. I let my thoughts flow wherever they wanted to go, however, it uses a very strict form, so I had to channel those thoughts within the gullies created by the structures.

Consciousness Cubed

Get it now Kindle, Softcover or Hardback.

Will You Follow the Knight

Another allegory in the form of a tale of a knight. This is the shortest of the poems but still long at over 1200 words. The story is similar to Andervayne’s dream but with a simpler message.

Will You Follow the Knight

Get it now Kindle, Softcover or Hardback.

The Golden Man

This was originally supposed to be the libretto for an opera. I wrote the words but it turned out it was too word heavy. The project was never completed so I dusted it off, edited and turned it into an epic poem.

There is no real structure here beyond rhyming and making it ‘songlike” but there is an allegorical tale to be wheedled out.

This is a much older poem and much more lighthearted. It has a strange format which is simply the structure of each twinned verse. It does not go beyond that. It is a flight of fantasy, magic without bounds, just letting my imagination run wild for the fun of it.

The Golden Man

Get it now Kindle, Softcover or Hardback.

All my books are now available in Hardcover

Yes, if you fancy a bit more luxury, you can now get all four of my books in hardcover format!

All Scott Andrew Bailey's Books

For quick links to them all jump over to my Amazon Page.

Or read on.

Mankind Limited

Marc trudged on with life, marching in line with his fellow workers. Weighed down by the everyday burdens of life, the pressure to conform, to succeed or face destitution.

Yet he knew, in his heart that it was all wrong, the questions squirmed like fiery dragons in the pit of his heart, beneath his deepest darkest doubts.

Until they grew and burst his sanity, set him on a path of defiance and rebellion. A path that would cross three others – all like him seeking answers.

A path of danger and adventure that would see him marked as a terrorist and fleeing for his life. It would see him find love and heartbreak, hope and despair, Most of all, it would open his eye to the possibility of an ancient and powerful secret that might answer all his doubts and fears.

If he survived.

In a world obsessed with measurement and success four rebels question everything – including themselves.


Andervayne’s Dream

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 the reader. 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.

Something not only with greater length but also depth


Thirteen Tales (of Ghosts)

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.

Ideal for sitting around a campfire and late at night under the covers. Or maybe not if the stories themselves are any guide.


A Spring of Dreams

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.

The result of a year-long challenge to write a poem a day for a year. Raw and accessible poems of many moods.


Enjoy!

The Tales of the Star Dancer

This is a much older poem and much more lighthearted. It has a strange format which is simply the structure of each twinned verse. It does not go beyond that. It is a flight of fantasy, magic without bounds, just letting my imagination run wild for the fun of it.

Star Dancer

Get it now Kindle, Softcover or Hardback.

Andervayne’s Dream – Quote

This is the longest and by far the most complex of the works here. The main bulk of the poem follows a very strict format (the Prologue and Epilogue are purposefully outside this format and there is meaning in that too). Part of that format informs the inclusion of much of the symbolism within and the allegory of the tale. The challenge here was to create a story within all these constraints.

Andervaynes Dream

Get it now Kindle, Softcover or Hardback.

An Attempt at Opera!

This is something different. I was digging around my old files and found a full libretto I wrote for an opera that never got off the ground. A good friend of mine actually wrote a lot of the music to go with it but in the end, it was too ambitious for us.

We ended up writing a shorter one – adapted from a short story of mine. That was less ambitious in that it was written for a string quartet and two singers. It was finished but never got performed. These days we could get it out on YouTube but back then even the internet didn’t exist!

I have been playing with the idea of publishing a set of longer poems and thought I might include this as one of them. But not sure – it’s more like a script than a poem.

So I thought I would put a taster here and see what people think.

So – here’s the first part.

Image from Pixabay

The Golden Man

Part 1

Upon a mountaintop, in a cleft between its twin peaks lies a lake. In the centre of this lake is an island. At the centre of the island are the ruins of an ancient temple. A roof held up by pillars but no walls. In this ruin stand five figures on the points of a pentagram, silently facing inwards to a conspicuously empty space in the centre.

It is the dead of night. They begin to chant.

SKY– From the shadows of the valley deep,
To the starlit white of highland peaks,
On a night when the silvery sphere is bright,
We gather here to proclaim our rite.

CERISE– With purpose dread of high renown,
Calling all the powers down.
Power sets our passions free,
So ancient spells we here decree.

LINCOLN– Secrets held within our flesh,
Combine to weave a mystic mesh.
Long guarded secrets we do share.
Long lost charms we do declare.

SAGE– From our cities and our homes we come,
To do here now what must be done.
To ease the path we have to tread,
To speak the words that many dread.

RAVEN– To finally tear down walls of fear,
The path of victory is what we hear.
So we can defend the weak,
Spells, enchantments, rites we speak.

SKY– We conjure a spirit to defend our land.

CERISE– We conjure a spirit with a golden hand.

LINCOLN– We conjure a spirit who shall not tire.

SAGE– We conjure a spirit with a burning fire.

RAVEN– We conjure a spirit who shall not fall.

ALL– We conjure a spirit to serve us all!

SKY– With the breath of hope.

CERISE– With the echo of a sigh.

LINCOLN– With the light of the flesh.

SAGE– With the warmth of the sky.

RAVEN– With the scent of a sword.

ALL– With the shape of our word.

Pause

SKY– All our power we put forth in thee. To bring you here to set us free.

CERISE– All our wealth shall touch your hand. To bring you here to save this land.

LINCOLN– All our health dispels death’s throes. To bring you here to destroy our foes.

SAGE– All our dreams will be your goals. To bring you here to ease our souls.

RAVEN– All our strength shall steel your arm. To bring you here to ward off harm.

ALL– Come!

The light dims as a cloud descends and obscures vision. When it is clear again the five are still in their positions but lying in the centre is the Golden Man lying deathly still with his hands crossed upon his chest.

To see the rest get Andervayne’s Dream and other Poems

Andervayne’s Dream and Other Poems

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.

Andervayne's Dream

Andervyane’s Dream

This is the longest and by far the most complex of the works here. The main bulk of the poem follows a very strict format (the Prologue and Epilogue are purposefully outside this format and there is meaning in that too). Part of that format informs the inclusion of much of the symbolism within and the allegory of the tale. The challenge here was to create a story within all these constraints.

Andervayne's Dream

Andervayne’s Dream by Scott Bailey

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. 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.

Less Noise, More Action

That kind of sums up my approach to 2020, particularly to writing.

2019 was not overly productive for me. I curated and edited some old work into a new collection – Andervayne’s Dream. I also continued to try and market my existing books, Mankind Limited, A Spring of Dreams and Thirteen Tales of Ghosts. Not to much success.

All this has mean that along with the demands of life, many family illness and dealing with a son with Autism, I have not had much time to actually write anything new. I have kept my blog alive by reposting old work daily.

I tried NaNoWriMo, but again, due to life commitments and stress, did not complete it – though I did come out of it with five drafts of short stories.

So. New years resolutions!

Firstly, it should be noted I have 100% failure rate on these. I can make goals and get there, just not new years resolutions. I think this is because I tend to try and make big life changing ones.

So this year I am going to do two things. One, I am making them public, here and now. Hopefully that will give me kick up the backside to actually complete them. Secondly, I am making them a bit more modest.

So this is my plan for 2020.

One poem a week.

One short story a month

Enter one competition or submit to one publication per month.

These are reasonable and well within my capabilities. 52 poems and 12 short stories. I have done far more that that in a shorter time before.

The other big difference will be that I will not be posting them on my blog. I am keeping them unpublished so I can use them to submit to competitions and publications.

Which means, this blog will be a lot quieter this year.

Less noise, more action.

All Scott Andrew Bailey's Books

What do you seek?

If it is a tale of a farmhand, dreaming of the landowners daughter, becoming a knight and facing trials amongst fantastical creatures. This might be the place for you


If it is the tale of two magical lover’s, dancing on a cloud, maybe you have found the moment to pause and take note.


If it is the tale of a knight’s rebellion against oppression, wait a while.


If you want to explore the ins and outs of ambitious courtiers and their magic, one step too far, then wait awhile


Step into my realm of dreams awhile.

Andervayne’s Dream

and other poems

Andervayne's Dream

Breaking into the top 10!

Many thanks to everyone who downloaded my latest poetry collection during the launch promotion. If you get the time for a review that would help greatly. The good news is that it manged to break into the top 10 in its genre both in the UK and US, reaching no. 7 and 8 respectively.

Let’s hope it continues to attract attention and climb now it’s off promotion.

If you still interested head over to Amazon and get your copy.

Andervaynes Dream Cover

Andervayne’s Dream – Getting Physical

By which I mean – here is the proof copy!

Woohoo!

Already spotted three mistakes 😦

All progress though.

www.scottandrewbailey.uk

Andervayne’s Dream – Cover Design

So, trying to design the cover for my upcoming poetry collection. So here’s a quick poll – which of these looks best? Are any of them any good? Or should I try again? Let me know in the comments.

A

B

C