Early 21st Century Poems: Book of Poems

By Peter Reynolds

Readers are invited on a profound journey that grapples with the pivotal themes defining our era. Diving deep into history, religion, the intricacies of the human psyche, and even the paranormal, this collection also surfaces for breath with lighter, contemporary pieces. Meant to be absorbed as an entire tapestry, the poems collectively capture the unique zeitgeist and shifting paradigms of our times. For those who dare to question, to reflect, and to understand, this anthology offers a panoramic view of the thoughts and emotions shaping the dawn of the 21st century.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: May 24, 2024
• ISBN: 9781035831845

Peter Reynolds

Peter Reynolds, coauthor of Dramatic Events, is head of the Department of Drama and Theater Studies at Roehampton Institute London.

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Copyright Information ©

Peter Reynolds 2024

The right of Peter Reynolds to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by the author in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

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Any person who commits any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library.

ISBN 9781035831838 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781035831845 (ePub e-book)

www.austinmacauley.com

First Published 2024

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PREFACE

As a naturally creative and artistic person, I’ve spent most of my life painting drawing sculpting but never considered any form of literary work or even though I was capable. Until, a periodic series of events culminated in a life changing experience.

As a side effect from this experience, my perception of all that came before, changed and that included how I approached my creativity, suddenly, without any other influence, input or inspiration.

I was compelled to write rhyming poems and proceeded to write 70 poems in 3 weeks on all matter of subject’s, most of which are meaningful that has something to say as an observer of humanity, hence, Early 21st Century Poems.

I stopped writing poems around 2017 due to the fact that I could not turn off my thinking, a form of thermal runaway of thinking in rhyme became unbearable. So I stopped trying to write poems. In this revised edition, some of the original text and poems are not included.

(PS. The ‘Q’ reference stands for quatrains even tho most of them are not.)

Peter Reynolds

Scorn

This is the 21st CENTURY!!!

with 21st Century problems

this is not the dark ages, any more

It’s an important time

in human history

a time when

that was then

and this is now

and now

this is how we are telling the tell

with words that rhyme

quatrains.

from time to time

spiritual, less complex

and more benign

doctrines

that are considered divine

one language will make it clear

with no mistakes for no-one to bear

it will be clear concise and comprehensive

no need to worry

no need to be pensive

We’re not trying to be offensive

or lacking respect

on the contrary, more defensive

of the old ways

the mystery and not knowing is over

no need for a guru or an oracle

it will all be consigned, historical

as those were the days

those are the days, no more!

Q22-S.i

Tis a sad day for humanity

when people escape from reality

when in the real world

we cannot really reason

or see what is true or what is treason

we play dead or put our heads in the sand

we just wanna listen to the next band

we just wanna know what’s in your hand

we just wanna laugh

even though we don’t understand

it’s all just a giant misunderstanding

ever since it began, in the beginning

but never give up

because it’s worth winning.

Q37-S.ii

You Think you are well versed

in the dealings of the Universe

you think you are spiritual

by saying nice things

like a repeating