Bøger af Tom Billsborough

This "Poetry Book for Children" is a compilation of poems by poets from all four corners of the globe, of whose country of origin, race, creed and color transcends any differences therein; and whose art and intellect have combined to present to the world of a child this lovely collection of verse, out of both the love of children and for the pleasure of poetry lovers everywhere (and even for those who don't like poetry!).

"I found a few threads that bound the various poems in this anthology. I would like to call these: a) The Optimistic Autumn; b) The Pessimistic Autumn. Among these broad categories runs a few themes, namely: i) The Spiritual; ii) The Romantic; iii) The Reminiscence. [A beautiful poem, in this collection] personifies seasons as "rulers" with followers. These followers (poets) write in praise of these seasons, some rebel according to where their loyalty lies. Yet in the end, the Seasons are always changing, and so, poets always get a chance to write about each of them. [...] If there is one thing I am taking away from this anthology, it is the fact that we are never the same based on our similarities, and never different based on our differences." [Souren Mondal] - "Autumn, that very time where nature sheds its old cloak making the leaves fall; yet what really happens is: it's the nature's way of making way for the new leaves to come. Our life is also like the seasons of nature, with shady and bright days mingled in one. Some people flows with their problems, till they get the solution and move on in time. Yet like some leaves of the trees that keep on hanging to the branches, there are people who keep on hanging to their problems till their last woes. We need to let go of our problem when we see that there is no solution except to let go. As in time, the new things will start to come to our lives just like the trees will have new leaves again, making everything beautiful again. Yet I give my due respect to those that fight, for their struggle shows that they care for the old, than to give up on it. However, we human beings need to remember that everything has its time." [Venecia N Sangma]

I was delighted when Fabrizio Frosini suggested this joint project of translating each other's poems. Italian is less familiar to me than French but it is such a musical language that I, who tend to the lyrical, was immediately attracted by the prospects. I think it would be an excellent idea for other poets of different Nationalities and cultures to take part in similar exercises. I'm sure they would find it as rewarding as I have in this bilingual Poetry project with Fabrizio. [T. Billsborough] I believe that what matters most, reading a book of poetry, is to let the verses open doors and windows on our inner world, allowing it to resonate, amplifying it -whatever the historical period in which those verses were composed. [F. Frosini]

The desire for peace and the rebirth of childhood memories feature in many poems in this collection. There are also many expressions of joy, as indulgent parents share the excitement of the day with boisterous children busily unwrapping presents below the Christmas tree. In recalling her visit with her father to the "Wassail Bowl", Marianne Larsen Reninger, brings out in fine detail a beautiful childhood memory. She also gets a plus from me for mentioning my favourite carol, Silent Night! In another fine poem Margaret O'Driscoll expresses the joy of Christmas Night. The contributions come from thirty-one Countries right round the World and the range of ideas and images sparkles like a box of brightly coloured jewels. I think each contributor has important things to say about Christmas and there is much to admire in the contrasts of styles and the personal views of the season. I can assure everyone each poem has its own sparkle, and hope you will forgive me for indulging in my own personal tastes: sometimes it is a line that catches my eye. Bharati Nayak's line "Light candles of beautiful smiles" moved me. There is also a line in Anitah Muwanguzi's poem "love falls softly hard" History reborn and given a new name.. Sometimes a whole poem enchants me as Valsa George's "A Christmas Song", Karen Edwards' "Sacred Season" and Judith Blatherwick's "The Christmas Flight". Humour is an essential ingredient of Christmas. Pamela Sinicrope made me laugh with her line "as the kids look on in horror" referring to parents' dancing! In any event it is the solemn duty of parents to embarrass their offspring on these festive occasions. Most remarkable is Stephen's poem: the two lines which really creased me with laughter were: "The girls start to smooth their skirts / To hide their forked tails." Often Christmas takes a great deal of worthwhile preparation. This is perhaps exemplified best by Barry Middleton in his excellent poem, "Cedar Tree Christmas". That "joy is something to be earned" as he and his friends did in obtaining their "priceless Christmas tree." Of course, for some Christmas can be a time of sadness, remembering departed relatives and friends but, even here, there is a determination to enjoy the day for the sake of lost ones. Christmas is a time for reflection and it would be well to remember previous occasions when those who are now missing contributed so much to the family's enjoyment. Read these poems: this is a book to treasure. Enjoy, and I hope that all your special dreams come true. Merry Christmas! (T.Billsborough)