Belfast via Bedlam by David Agnew
David’s writing is based on his own experience of the journey of recovery, now extending over more than twenty-one years. It is also informed by his long experience of working with the mentally ill, including those suffering from addiction problems.
He firmly believes that, in recovery, we all travel a similar road, no matter where we begin.
Following on from his previous books - Walking into Eternity and First I Dreamt the Journey - David, in this book, further explores the paths, pitfalls and signposts on the journey.
These poems, although sometimes deeply personal, in particular those addressed to his mother, are nonetheless universal in their nature and can apply to us all.
The poems are grouped under the headings - Reflections, Darker Days, Moving On, Steps of Faith, Memories and My Mother.
Gentler perhaps and more reflective in their nature than in his previous books these poems represent his own journey into a deeper more satisfying place in which his joy at the process of recovery shines through.
(David promised his mother before she died that there would be another poetry book. One of the joys of his recovery is being able to keep promises.)
Enjoy too the pleasure of listening to David read his own words - a CD comes free with every book.
Some of the poems have also been recorded on video and can be seen at www.youtube.com/user/davidagnewpoet
You might also be interested in David’s poetry blog at www.belfastdavid.wordpress.com
First I Dreamt the Journey by David Agnew
Picking up, and developing on, the themes raised in his first book - Walking into Eternity - David explores further the journey in a series of dream like sequences which allow the reader to reflect on their own journey, whilst, at the same time, drawing inspiration from his words.
The chief narrator in the book is an old man who utilises his own experience to guide a younger companion, and the reader, through his struggles in the Battlefield of life. He expounds on the benefits of visiting the Cave of Truth and demonstrates the safe places of the Stepping Stones and the Kitchen, He highlights some of the Signposts for the journey.
Perhaps, most importantly, he introduces us to his own mentor - The Beautiful Fairy. It is she who introduces us to some magical places and lights for us the never-extinguishable Torch of Hope.
Altogether an enchanting experience for both the young man and the reader which not only informs and educates but also provides inspiration.
The paperback is 136 pages, printed on re-cycled paper, and available now.
Produced in a size suitable for the pocket or the handbag, this book provides a resource which can be kept readily available.
David may, from time to time, post excerpts from this book in his blog - see link on Contacts page.