Gateway to Obscurity: Life in Verse

By Ken Westdorp

Honesty is too often obscured by an inability to communicate as we grow older and harbour secrets from those we love.

Depicting raw emotions along with touches of humour, Gateway to Obscurity reveals a personal expression of the human condition. These verses weave images that explore a wide range of difficult subjects, making the book a resource for the soul and a bold statement on the various elements of emotions that we often deny ourselves. Each poem presents a hidden world of triumph and tragedy, without the religious or scientific clutter that is so often present these days. They address issues relevant in todays ever-changing world, bringing to light a new sense of self-awareness.

Through candid and economical language, this collection of poetry considers the delicate nature of the human condition and is embellished throughout with real-life experience and observation.

Father and Son

When lifes incidentals
come to a screeching halt,
burdened by complications,
the result of neglected health,
miracles of medicine
prevent ultimate disaster.
However, reckless behaviour
necessitates lengthy recovery.
Incapacitated by weakness,
reduced to an invalid,
struggling with adversities
taken previously for granted.
Minor physical accomplishments
account as major achievements,
proving that a persons measure
is the legacy one leaves behind.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Archway Publishing
• Release date: May 17, 2017
• ISBN: 9781480845510

Ken Westdorp

Kenneth W. Westdorp is a student of human emotions, seeking to be both open-minded and wise as to their delicate balance. His diverse poetic style captures the mood and stark reality of the human existence. He lives with his wife, Ardita, in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada.

Book preview

A MOTHER’S LOVE

I thank you so much

for bringing me forth in life,

nurturing me through gestation,

ensuring my eventual birth.

In childhood, I suckled your breasts,

gaining strength and further development.

Within your arms, I found love

and comfort from loneliness.

You taught me understanding

and encouraged my dreams.

When I was ill or injured,

you aided in my recovery.

During times of family squabbling,

you sheltered me from the storm.

Acting on my behalf,

you helped keep the family intact.

At times I would abuse your love,

subjecting it to teenage rage,

the terrible names I called you

torturing you in awful ways.

How fortunate to have you as a mother,

with all the trouble I’ve put you through.

I know I don’t say it often enough,

but you’re my best friend in the world.

THE OLD HOMESTEAD

Though long ago replaced

by several new developments,

the place I was born

will never be forgotten.

A modest, one-story structure,

never meant for a growing family.

Living-room fireplaces

often heated the home.

Backyard gardens

were a necessity of life.

Back then, neighbours

were considered friends,

and grandparents

lived just next door.

As children, we ventured

down nearby streets,

engaging our imagination

instead of playing electronics.

Overcrowded malls,

like