I Don’T Do Poetry

By Tom Kanigan

I Dont Do Poetry is Tom Kanigans first book of poems, and the title reflects his continuing amazement regarding his flair for poetry, a talent he discovered at age sixty-two.

Toms poems cover a wide range of topics, from the very personal, including relationship issues, to social and political commentary. They have a captivating rhythm and are a compelling medium for expressing thought provoking ideas and powerful emotions. He skillfully employs fascinating turns of phrase.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Oct 2, 2015
• ISBN: 9781514411704

Tom Kanigan

Tom Kanigan is a retired Canadian public servant, living in Ottawa, Canada, and wintering with his wife, Rose, in Florida. He began writing poetry in 2007, at age sixty-two, and soon discovered a hidden talent as well as a passion for writing poetry. Tom continues to write poetry, which he says meets both an artistic and emotional need. He regularly shares his poems with creative writing groups in both Florida and Canada, as well as with online writers groups. Tom is also working on a book regarding his family heritage.

Book preview

I Don’t Do Poetry

Tom Kanigan

Copyright © 2015 by Tom Kanigan.

ISBN:      Softcover      978-1-5144-1171-1

                eBook           978-1-5144-1170-4

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 10/01/2015

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Contents

Introduction

Acknowledgement

Childhood Memories

Memories Of The Flood

A Feathered Enemy

Childhood Blessings

King

Family and Friends

Doukhobor Roots

Mom And Dad

Romasha

Sibling Surprise

Father Cried

Departed Sister Dear

Forever Friends

Tolstoy

Relationships

Intimate Love

Love And Marriage

Mothers

Community

Personal Struggles and Growth

Masks

Life Isn’t Fair

My Inner Child

Leasons In Life

Arrogance

Wisdom

Dear Dad

Denial

Self Love

Letting Go

Forgiveness

Humility

I Want To Be Me

The Power Of Empathy

Happiness

Social and Political Commentary

Political Gridlock

Convicting The Innocent

Political Insults

Politics Of Fear

Truth In Argo

Justice For All

Enhanced Interrogation

Right To Die

Liar Lawyers

An Eye For An Eye

America’s Armed

Notes

Dedication

I dedicate this first book of poetry to the following.

Firstly, to my dear wife Rose, whose love, support, companionship and comforting presence inspired me to write.

Secondly, to my children and grandchildren, as well as other family members and friends, hoping these writings help them to understand me better.

And finally, to the current and past members of the Maple Leaf Creative Writing Group, whose ongoing encouragement and support motivated me to continue writing and to consider publication.

Introduction

I was always considered a good (non- fiction) writer, but I never believed I possessed any creative talent. Then suddenly I began writing poetry in September 2007, at age 62, for reasons not entirely clear, as I had thought I had neither talent nor interest in this area.

Once I started, I realized I was indeed able to write poetry, without any great effort. It just seemed to flow, and I enjoyed doing it. It allowed me to get in touch with my true feelings and thoughts, and filled an artistic and emotional void for me.

In time, I started to share my poems with close family and friends, without any pretense that my poetry was particularly good – certainly not worthy of publication for a broader audience.

The title of this book reflects my underlying skepticism about writing poetry.

I write