A Life Of Rhyme

By Jeff Russell

This collection of poems, compiled by Jeff Russell over the last fifty years, is a memoir in rhyme inspired by life’s rich tapestry of pleasures and disappointments.
The author’s style is both powerful and reflective and includes works which cover a wide range of topics. The poems offer the reader an insight into the author’s experience of life from his teenage years right up to the present day. It captures the essence and impact of emotions that we have all encountered.
The poems reflect social issues as well as human reactions to love, beauty, sadness and despair. The style is affecting and relatable, highlighting the significance of familiar events and experiences. Crafted with honesty and compassion, the poems reflect chapters in many of our lives.
Of the poems, ‘Hiroshima’ is a stark reminder that history may easily be repeated, while, on a more contemporary note, in ‘Harsh Reality’ the author takes us down a path so many have suffered or witnessed during the current Coronavirus pandemic.
It is a work by an ordinary man, a poignant record of thoughts and feelings at various times in his life, which almost certainly will revive memories and nostalgia in us all.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: Jul 30, 2021
• ISBN: 9781398426672

Book preview

About the Author

Jeff Russell was born in 1950 in Monmouthshire, South Wales. He was educated at Croesyceiliog Grammar School and Leeds and Glamorgan Polytechnics and has a Business Studies qualification. He and his wife married in 1979 and have four sons. His career as an IT contractor and Business Change Consultant involved a great deal of travelling, both in the UK and abroad.

He began writing poetry during his first year in college and over the last fifty years has produced poems with an eclectic range of themes ranging from the philosophical and political to those inspired by experiences in life and love.

Dedication

To Jayne

Jeff Russell

A Life Of Rhyme

Copyright © Jeff Russell (2021)

The right of Jeff Russell to be identified as author of this work has been asserted in accordance with section 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.

Any person who commits any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library.

ISBN 9781398426658 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781398426665 (Hardback)

ISBN 9781398426672 (ePub e-book)

www.austinmacauley.com

First Published (2021)

Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd

25 Canada Square

Canary Wharf

London

E14 5LQ

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank his wife Jayne and friends Mandy and Judy for reviewing the work and providing their comments and support.

PHILOSOPHICAL THOUGHTS

The Stranger

When first I looked into the pool

To fish and nothing more

I saw a horse and rider

Above a stony shore

What kind of man I never knew

Nor ever could I reach

The shore from which he watched me

That distant misty beach

He seemed to be so strong and free

His horse the purest white

His countenance could only be

Of legend or a knight

And as I watched he raised his sword

His standard burned like fire

He held aloft my wildest dreams

And knew my life’s desires

Then ever where I chanced to go

He followed sure and true

Someone on whom I could depend

And yet I never knew

Protector of my soul

Champion of my pride

His friendship never faltered

On his distant lonely ride

Each plate within his armour

Shone forth, a wondrous sight

Every stitch a righteous moment

A thousand pieces bright

In his eyes so steadfast

The world could see my name

And in the sword he carried

My anger and my shame

As my life continued