My philosophy
My philosophy Every person is born with a sense of (a) his/her and (b) the world's essential qualities and (c) the basic situation of...
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Living Poetry
" like toys with broken springs" (wagtails walking)
" sparklers... silver splashes, turning oily pools to a shivering rainbow" (Black Country)
"Nature revealed... by sharing of the heartbeat... in nutshells of the universe" (music of Sibelius)
These excerpts are taken from my collection The Essence of Nature, published by Troubador in paperback and e-book formats.
Hello Everyone
A warm welcome to my website. I'm Roger Homer, a writer with a different poetic approach, based on sensing the essence of objects (including people) and describing them from the inside. This is based in my fundamental beliefs.
My Philosophy
Origin
As a child, I was frustrated and annoyed by the prevailing materialistic, un-doubting society which seemed to be closing in on me. There had to be much more - an artistic dimension... a wider view of the world... a personal meaning.
Apparently other children shared this view, since their parents often marvelled at the aptness of their views of the world.
Rationale
Studying psychology and philosophy led me to this view of the situation:
* First came the world, everything in it having an inward character or essence and potential to express it fully in this context. This is the primordial meaning and purpose of life.
* Then people evolved with greater potential for feeling and reason, the last especially developing over time.
* Thence they became self conscious, seeing themselves as part of the above ("nature sense") yet also with different, separate traits.
* Nature sense is especially strong in children, who are close to the beginnings of life, feel keenly and directly and often express themselves with insights adults marvel at.
* But our society imposes its values based on reason so strongly that nature sense is lost.
Approach
Therefore I aim to
* recapture nature sense;
* experience the essence of my subjects;
* bring them vividly to readers' minds.
About me
Career
At London University I got an Arts degree [and a distinction in darts}. I then had two careers:
* In journalism, ending up as a sub editor at the Black Lubijanka [Sunday Express} and Daily Mail;
* Later I studied psychology at Regent's College and the Metanoia Institute and qualified as a Licentiate of the National Council of Psychotherapists with an additional qualification in Bereavement Counselling, working in private practice and for the then Employment Service before retiring to concentrate on writing.
Published poetry
In magazines, Rhapsodes and Forward Press, and now Troubador.
Other interests
The arts in general, psychology, philosophy (ran a course at Exeter U3A), playing (?) keyboard, countryside, conservation, walking, football (ex semi-pro player: "The poor man's Billy Bremner") and other sports, women (not necessarily in that order).
Membership
The Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi)
Exeter Arts Society
Exmouth U3A
Black Ven poetry group
Quaywords poetry
Ramblers Association
... of the Essence
These poems are taken from my collection The Essence of Nature. See also my Facebook page "Essential Poetry". They are changed often on both. Please give comment/criticism and/or share with your networks.
November leaves
The plain grey backdrop spotlights
the many roles of leaves:
shaken, bounced, churned
like fairground thrills;
done shimmering in summer,
now slowly glowing embers;
starting out among the greenery
in every shade from calm to frenzy;
meandering like powdered snow,
drifting down or manic-dancing;
fallen, to softly cushion rain
and gladden the mind;
for burning or for digging in
or prized for winter sleep.
Suddenly the wind blows chill;
I ponder choices dragging on
And my new leaves
which must be evergreen.
Reviews given
(for November leaves)
"A beautifully crafted and evocative poem. Roger skilfully weaves together vivid images and thoughtful metaphor to explore ... leaves as symbols of transience, personal growth and longing for stability... Both intimate and universal... shows a keen eye for detail and talent for expressing complex emotion with simplicity and grace."
- Chat
Reviews sought
For every one used now (I use several), I'm offering a 10% reduction on the price of my next collection.
Future projects
Two more poetry collections;
A tragi-comic play
(hopefully) a novel.
Newsletter
For regular updates of my activities, please leave your e-mail address in the footer below.
Contact
Either here or on my Facebook page Essential Poetry.
Getting to the heart...
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