Julian Froment's Blog, page 5
July 24, 2016
You are my Heaven
An excerpt from ‘A Poetic Proposal’ for your consideration.
This poem appeared previously on the blog back ago in July 2014. I have included a reading of this poem, one of my very favourites, for you.
You are my Heaven
https://julianfroment.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/you-are-my-heaven.mp3
Lost,
Consigned to hell,
Then free,
To find my heaven
Now,
In purgatory,
Soon free,
Inside my heaven
You freed me from hell, and became my heaven
Whilst purgatory keeps me, from being with you
When I escape this rock of our pain,
I shall join you, my love,
Together again
You are my heaven,
My heart, my soul,
Only together,
Shall we be whole.
The book is available here and comes in both digital and paperback format.
Why We Write Poetry
Having recently released another couple of poetry collections, ‘A Poetic Engagement’, and ‘Starry Night’, I thought that it was worth reblogging a post from some time ago regarding why it is that we write poetry. I hope that new followers enjoy this, and old followers do not become bored by it.
With the release of my poetry collection, ‘A Poetic Proposal’, I have been pondering, musing if you will, on why it is that we write poetry. Reflecting further upon what I consider a rather interesting question, I came up with a few reasons why it is that I like to write poetry.
We will get on to some of those thoughts shortly. I figured that there must be as many different reasons for writing poetry as there are poets out there. What is it that motivates us? Is every poet different or are there commonalities that can be observed? What is it that gave each of us that first initial spark, that push to write poetry?
Not satisfied with just my own thoughts and opinions I decided to garner those of some of my favourite, blogging poets to help me answer this question. It was very illuminating to discover why it is that each of them writes poetry.
Personally, I have always had a fondness for words, and for language in general, for puns, wordplay, and rhymes. I used to invent myriad little rhymes, couplets, and wordplays, but being the lewd Englishman many of them are not suitable for public consumption, not even here in the sanctity of this blog reserved for ‘Life, Literature, and Lewd Comments’.
I also enjoy the intellectual challenge of trying to convey my thoughts, feelings, emotions, in words.
I never really found that I had much to say in the past. Then one day, like a blinding light from the heavens above, I went and fell in love. It was as if my heart and soul exploded in a shower of coruscating light, an iridescence of bright, blinding colours, and just like that I suddenly had something to say.
There were a million raging emotions coursing through my head, trying to escape the confines of my mind, my heart, my soul. I now had a reason. A reason to write, to express myself to someone, to the woman that I love. I wanted her to know how I felt about her, for her to be able to experience the emotions that she excited within me. I am fully aware that mere words are insufficient to fully relate these emotions, but I want to do my utmost to convey these feelings to her, and also to others. To show the world how I feel.
So, that is me. My motivation for writing poetry, but what about some others. Below I have quoted the thoughts of three of my favourite poets, Dominic, Pamela, and Ellespeth. I heartily recommend reading their blogs and experiencing their poetry for yourselves.
‘I have written poetry since I was a pre-teen, primarily because I loved words, but also because I felt that I had something important to say, at least as much as any pre-teen boy could. As a very shy person by nature, I was never comfortable speaking my thoughts and feelings verbally, though I was quite comfortable putting them on paper and I found poetry to be the perfect avenue. I stopped writing poetry through much of my teenage and adult years up until a few years ago and from the first moment that I put pen to paper after this long absence it has almost become an addiction. I guess in the end I write poetry for the sheer love of it.’ – Dominic DiFranceso, Black and Write
‘I think that writing poetry started as a way to get my feelings out of my heart and head. The longer I have written though I find that I need to write. Writing poetry has been a way to express myself. Poetry (at least the forms I use) forces me to be very intentional with my words.’ – Pamela Beckford, Poetry by Pamela
Despite her lovely words, Pamela prefers to use poetry, in this case a tanka, to express herself and has written this beautiful poem to help us understand better why she writes poetry.
Words and emotions
Entwine to express myself
Feelings are heartfelt
Words tumble out of my lips
Nothing can stop their free flow
and finally
‘The older I get, the clearer the answer becomes: I write to honor life. There are also moments when something I’ve been questioning is suddenly distilled into a very short poem – just enough words for my heart to manage then and there. I used to kick myself for not keeping a journal. Now I realize that my poetry is my journal.’ – Ellespeth, Views From A Poet
So there are, it seems, many varied reasons why we write poetry, and I am sure that we have not even scratched the surface here. I hope that this has given a little insight into the mind of the poet, whilst highlighting that there is no single answer to this question. Thank you so very much to Dominic, Pamela, and Ellespeth for taking the time to contribute.
If you have ever written poetry why not take a few minutes to reflect on why that is. What attracted you to poetry as a form? Was it a one off, or do you write poetry consistently? Do you write both poetry and prose, more of one than the other? Have a think and please share your thoughts in the comments. Add to the body of knowledge.
July 23, 2016
Oh for a Starry Night
A humble new collection of poetry inspired by the stars, planets and constellations, along with a healthy dose of Greek and Roman mythology. Available as an ebook and paperback.
Description
Myth, mythology and the legends of old. Stories of gods, fantastic beasts and humans. These are part of the canon of tradition and lore of the stellar constellations and heavenly bodies that make up the starry night that we see.
Experience arcane knowledge in this metaphorical pantheon where the dead gods of ages gone by are honoured poetically.
The night sky is an incredible sight. Filled with such beauty and grace, the celestial sphere is awe inspiring. This collection of poems is an attempt to capture some of that beauty and the tradition and history that have resulted in the lore that has grown up around the constellations and heavenly bodies. Heavily inspired by Greek and Roman mythology the wisdom of the ancients makes the universe in which we live a fascinating and vibrant place.
We all interact with the world around us in different ways, but this poetry is my way of sharing the connection that I feel, and the emotions that are sparked in me, by the glory of the night sky. Join me on my personal celestial adventure and the wonders of a starry night.
It should be borne in mind that there are a multitude of different myths, traditions, legends, stories and so on about each of the constellations, planets, the Gods and no one knows the true origin of a lot of the names of these. This is a fictional, poetic interpretation of some of those ideas and stories.
Excerpt:
Cancer – The Crab
Proud Hercules,
Son of Zeus born,
A dozen tasks for to complete
At Jealous Hera’s behest
To test his strength,
Courage and prowess,
To prove himself,
A worthy heir
In that second,
Charge to complete,
Battle the Hydra,
Leanon’s curse
Nine heads, regenerative,
Upon a snakes body,
Or possibly a dragons,
A truly fearsome beast
Brave Hercules battled,
The ferocious brute,
Cleaving heads,
As fast as he could
His nephew Iolas,
Seared the cuts,
Halting the growth,
Of heads anew
Bitter Hera sent a crab,
Gigantic in size,
To distract the warrior
And foil his goal
As the crab pounced,
And grabbed his foot,
Valiant Hercules,
It did crush
Severing the final,
Head absolute,
The Hydra vanquished,
Hercules victorious
Hera shamed,
Hercules honoured,
Zeus placed in the heavens,
A starry crab
July 14, 2016
The Many Uses of: Cinnamon
Fascinating!
Description
The Many Uses of Cinnamon is a short eBook about both common and uncommon uses of cinnamon, as well as the history of the spice itself. From beauty uses, to health benefits, household cleaners and natural insect repellants, this book will help you find a natural alternative to chemicals using this fantastic spice.
The first book in the “Many Uses of” series, this eBook is just over 4,100 words. For beginners or those more experienced with herbal remedies, the directions included are simple to follow and easy to understand. Anyone can benefit from learning about natural alternatives, so dive right in and discover what cinnamon can do for you!
June 28, 2016
Forthcoming Release – Majestic Reimaginings
J and I Publishing are very proud to announce the forthcoming release of a new hand drawn adult color book by the very talented Ionia Froment. This book is a collection of diverse landscapes and is full of beautiful, majestic drawings. Each picture is accompanied by a poem by Julian Froment inspired by the landscape. This book will be available as both an adult coloring book and as a special artist’s edition.
As a taster of what you can expect from this beautiful book we have an image and the acccompanying poem for you. We hope that you enjoy them. Further details of the release will be posted here and on our Facebook page.
Up Above
Suspended in the air,
An overarching view
Of beauty most fair,
To enter into
An old arched bridge,
Spanning a patchwork path,
A protective rail,
A merry laugh.
A watery artery,
Meanders past undulant slopes,
An exhilarating sight,
Feeding our dreams and hopes.
A forest of firs,
A vibrant firework display,
Red, green and gold,
Soothes our minds melee.
And down below,
Azaleas bloom,
Touching the banks,
With intense perfume.
June 26, 2016
May and June Book Reviews
Some wonderful reviews here[image error]
A few books I read and their reviews. If you are looking for a good book to read this summer, I can’t say enough good things about both The Butterfly Garden and The Paris Key. They were both excellent. I’m sure The Butterfly Garden will be on my top 5 list or 2016. I did read a couple of stinkers though and wish I hadn’t wasted my time with them.
Midsummer at Eyre Hall by Luccia Gray – 4 stars
This was the third book in the trilogy. While the first two were wonderful, this third book seemed a bit forced. But I usually feel that way with a series so it may not be the author, but me! This concluded (with a wrap up in the epilogue) the books about Jane Eyre after Jane Eyre. This has been a good series, well written and imagined. I would think that…
View original post 1,122 more words
June 17, 2016
How to Color
Check out this great new How to book on the benefits of Adult Coloring
As a publisher of quality adult coloring books, a question that often arises is how to color. This may seem basic at first sight, but as with all things, the deeper you look into it the more complex and overwhelming it can become.
Many people are interested in the whole process, and in particular the health and stress relief benefits that can be obtained from coloring.
J and I Publishing are pleased to be able to announce the release of a brand new book chock full of useful and interesting information regarding the use of adult coloring books for relaxation and meditation. Written by a talented and accomplished color book artist, and advocate of the all-round benefits of art and adult coloring, Ionia Froment, this book is filled with the benefits of her extensive knowledge and includes many personal experiences and anecdotes. This book is a perfect accompaniment to…
View original post 170 more words
June 16, 2016
A Poetic Engagement
Some of you may remember the poetry book that I published nearly two years ago, “A Poetic Proposal”. Well, there is now a sequel available that continues this theme of love poetry dedicated to the woman that completes my soul, Ionia, “A Poetic Engagement”. Here is an excerpt, followed by details of how to get your very own copy of this highly sought after volume.
Cacophony
Joined in unison,
Bodies as one,
Gently rocking
Our pleasure begun.
Deep inside,
Your heavenly grace,
That look of ecstasy,
Upon your face.
As passion rises,
Moans escape lips,
Bucking and thrusting,
Your gyrating hips.
Hair flying,
The arch of your back,
My hands on your breasts,
Of ardour no lack.
A white hot fire,
Burns in my loins,
As I start to spasm,
My whole body doth rejoice.
A perfect connection,
Of us two,
Alone in the universe,
Just me and you.
And then release,
Joyous and profound,
A cacophonous explosion,
Love knows no bound.
Then tender moments,
Wrapped in each other,
There could be no more,
Perfect lover.
“A Poetic Engagement” is the long awaited sequel to “A Poetic Proposal”, a collection of love poetry and verse.
An eclectic compendium of poems dedicated to the power and purity of eternal love for that one special woman. When separation and long distance are involved this makes for a special blend of joy and happiness contrapuntal with angst and desolation. These poems reflect the gamut of emotions that are experienced iin this situation.
I hope that you enjoy it.
June 8, 2016
New Hand Drawn Adult Color Book
Check out the amazing art work by Ionia Froment in her new hand drawn adult color book..
J and I Publishing are pleased to announce the release of a new hand drawn color book by the incredibly talented Ionia Froment. Inspired by her love of both art and the outdoors this is a wonderful collection of coloring images to stimulate and arouse the mind and emotions. We hope that you enjoy it as much as we do.
Birds, Birdhouses and Florals
Description
Step out into your back yard for a peaceful and relaxing experience full of beautiful birdsong and the delicate scent of flowers floating on the breeze. In this hand-drawn coloring book, you will find a wide variety of intricate designs to color and make your own. Each image is inspired by birds and nature as well as plants and flowers of many different varieties. Pick up your favorite coloring tools and make these delightful designs your own. Single-sided pages allow you to color without worry…
View original post 42 more words
May 29, 2016
Three quarks for Muster Mark
‘Three quarks for Muster Mark’,
They say,
But I found six,
One fortuitous day,
Full of charm,
And a little strange,
With infinite beauty,
That’s the truth
Up and down
I searched the dark
And found at last
The ubiquitous Quark
Bound by colours,
Red, blue and green
In combination colourless,
Never to be seen
From top to bottom,
I had searched,
My perspective then,
Suddenly lurched
And folded up,
Into eight different ways
Thus ending my search,
After many days.
