Fireside Chats Vol. I: A Surrealist's View of the World

By Frank O'Neal

Through his poetry, Frank S. O’Neal brings together his experiences, friends and foes, different cultures and different times. As you read the words he has painted, you will peer into a view of the world that most people never see.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Frank O'Neal
• Release date: Nov 8, 2010
• ISBN: 9781936840083

Frank O'Neal

Frank S. O’Neal is a lifelong learner, writer, musician and world traveler. Through three major career changes and his constant pursuit of understanding, he has gained a unique voice for his writing. While in high school, an alert teacher recognized O’Neal’s gift and encouraged him to use it as a tool to search for his passion and follow his dreams. He used the pen to help him stay grounded and connected to himself as he traveled through his careers in the US Coast Guard, then as an industrial paramedic and through taxing days working as an emergency room nursing assistant.More recently, O’Neal’s career path diverted him to all corners of the globe working in the telecommunications and cellular industry. As his teacher suggested, O’Neal has used poetry and writing to reconnect and reemerge continuously, while discovering where his life will lead him next.

Book preview

"Wow! Fireside Chats brings the heat on!

What a wonderful, emotional way to view the world! Dedication. Commitment. Honor. Frank is a great new voice, and we all should heed it.

—Nikki Giovonni

Renowned Poet and Author,

Virginia Tech University Distinguished Professor

... this heartfelt collection is for any enlightened individual with a serious interest in our country’s history from a contemporary standpoint.

—ForeWord Clarion Review

In this, his first venture into the realm of published poetry, Frank O’Neal’s twenty selections run the gamut from deeply personal introspection; to celebration of life, love and relationships; to political commentary; to philosophical observations on human nature, justice, and war. Underlying virtually all of his reflections is his effort to make sense out of the black experience in America—an often painful and only partially successful effort. O’Neal lays bare his soul, and in doing so he helps us all to better understand the soul of America.

—Jack D. Angus, PhD.,

Black and Catholic in Omaha: A Case of Double Jeopardy

"With rhythmic dexterity, this poignant work jaunts and rests and saunters, intermittently, through the author’s hopes, joys, disappointments and fears.

"Whether in the intimate quiet of My Father