Words From An Unlikely Poet: Volume 2: Further Thoughts

by Charlie Hasler

Charlie Hasler returns with his second book of poems. Further Thoughts is one man’s view of the world around him. It is a candid expression of the trials that come with battling mental health demons, the exhaustion that comes with the search and pursuit of happiness and the inner peace that is achieved once finding it.

Genres: Poetry

38 pages, Paperback

Published August 11, 2018

Reviews

[Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Powerful words from an often troubled mind, occasionally slightly hopeful mind, but always a thoughtful mind.

These are the words of someone struggling with their thoughts, but learning how to control express the poetry of these internal experiences with precision.

Indeed, powerful words.

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘I won that ghastly battle, Now watch me win the war.’

British poet Charlie Hasler lives in North Wales and works at a Law firm based in Chester. Writing in his spare time. His respected poetry is gaining a strong following, and for good reason. Charlie is Dyslexic but he states he ‘does not find it to be a hindrance, especially when it comes to his poetry writing, quite the opposite in fact.’ His poems often reflect the approach the demands and the challenges of those with mental health problems as well as the search and discovery of happiness and inner peace.

But let this collection of thoughts speak for itself:

Burden Chime

I am anxious all of the time and fear is my burden chime.

Hands are locked, eyes are tight, a constant need to fight or flight.

I am exhausted all of the time, always listening to the burden chime.

The constant chime never stops, no pleading or begging pause these chiming clocks.

The clock always ticks, ticks, ticks, never a pause to let me unload these heavy mind bricks.

A walk outside is done as a race, the burden chime sets the pace.

I am not in control of my inner feel, these devil chimes steer my internal wheel.

Chime, tick, chime, tick, please help me with this hellish mind brick.


Please stop the chime, its making me ill, anymore and I’ll sink further still.

I can’t breathe, the chime won’t let me, please make it stop or at least reach out and get me.

Pass me a hammer, pass me a knife, cut this chime and help me reclaim my life.

I want my life back, chime no more, to hell with this anxiety matador.

I have no fight left, I have no flight in me, the burden chime is killing me swiftly.

On goes the burden chime even as I write this, toes curl, neck aches, please help me put on my mind brakes.
How can I go to work tomorrow, the burden chime allows me only sorrow?

Tired I am, counting the chime rhythm, dancing to its tune at any time given.

So, as you read this now, look at your watch, gaze at your clock and be thankful you hold the key and command the lock.

You hear no chime, you are the clock and you command when it goes tick or when it goes tock.

Richly crafted and sensitive to regions few understand – until Charlie shares his FURTHER THOUGHTS. Bravo!

[John Farebrother · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great volume of verse from a master manipulator of speech. The author draws on all the aspects of the written word - sounds, form, associations, layout - to forge and shape his creations. The reflection of a dark inner world, of depression and anguish, but ending on a positive note. Happy new year!

[Kimelene Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

... beautiful expression of the inner voice

As in Book 1, the poet draws on the emotions of the reader through reflective, moving words and exposes the reader to a range of feelings and situations. Truly another beautiful expression of the inner voice!

[Mitch Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words From An Unlikely Poet: Volume 2: Further Thoughts (2018) by Charlie Hasler is the 38-page follow-up to the author’s first poetry collection Words From An Unlikely Poet.

The collection is another beautifully written set of poems. The poems have both a poetic and accessible quality to them and speak of mental health, the struggle to find inner happiness and serenity and what these inner feelings feel like when finally realized.

The poems are extremely heartfelt and each poem delves deep into raw emotions which the author describes perfectly and with truth at the core. The details are great and paint pictures of scenes and slices of life so well. There is a realness to the emotions, the outside world and the connection or disconnection these things have to each other.

The author writes of isolation, surviving, striving to get to a goal that seems so far away. It’s melancholy but it’s honest and beautiful due to that honesty. The topic is very close to my heart and I appreciate very much the true way the author portrays mental health.

It is a compelling book which is told from the heart. The writing is stunning.

A gorgeous write.

[Nigel Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Mr Hasler's poetry for some time and this his second book confirms why. Although very much in the Hasler style there is a change in this collection compared to his first book. Here still is the hard-hitting emotional poetry but now it's found in more varied forms, differing lengths, rhythms and word placement . Mr Hasler is an Outsider Poet, in the sense that he writes from a compulsion to create, to express with no expectations. It is pure art, and does not bow or conform. For example I like the fact the contents and page numbers have been omitted as superfluous in a slim volume and this gives the work a real 'Chap book' feel, in fact this is I suppose the modern day version of that tradition. To sum up, an original work, very collectable and hugely enjoyable.

[SALLY WHITE · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this authors previous volume which I found enjoyable. This is another compelling read with verses based on personal past experiences and composed from the heart. The author lays bare his emotions again and there are harrowing tales of despair and darkness, but also hope of a new start of optimism and happiness,

[Karen Horsley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlie had a lot to live up to following his excellent first book of poetry Words from an unlikely poet, you may wish to read my review which awarded it a very worthy five stars. Volume 2 has some similarities; it is again a slender book of verse and many poems are themed on emotional angst, however I feel this book has a more compact range of expression.

Beginning with the romantically titled ‘Pink Skied City’ which, although not romantic in theme, uses almost romantic language to describe the ordinary. My interpretation is that it’s a commentary on the banality of life. Throughout the book Charlie uses great imagery and analogies, with ‘Mind Radio’ standing out. I really liked the rhythm of the poems ‘Back to One’ and ‘Connected’, I felt the flow resonated well with the message.

Overall, a nicely put together book of poetry. I will leave you with words from the hopeful poem ‘Returned’.
For today is no longer yesterday it would seem, a new chance is born, a wonderous dream,
That awakes and guides my soul once more.

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I previously read volume 1 of this book and I didn't think it could be topped but I was wrong about that!!

Charlie messaged me offering me a read of his new book and I happily accepted the free read.
I certainly was not disappointed and was overflowed with many emotions. Everyone should read this masterpiece as everyone has probably felt these emotions at least once in their lives and can truly appreciate the messages he's sending across

I cannot wait for more of his work as I'll be first in line to purchase

[Avid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read Mr Hasler's first book of poetry I felt I could hear his voice in my head while reading his latest poems. This second book was in parts difficult to read describing regret and despair, but equally there was beauty, gentleness and expressions of hope written from the heart. I look forward to a third volume from this fine poet.