‘My desperate yearnings as a schoolboy / My true fantasy, a dreamer full to the brim / Were clocking you, beauteous, radiant but coy / Your dreary eyes wide open, angelic face held nigh / Ready for the next decade, prepped to fly’
The except is taken from ‘Mi Primer Adios’ (‘My First Farewell’). My finest piece kicks off my debut collection. Inspired by national hero, Jose Rizal’s last hurrah. In this tribute poem, I wax nostalgic about the Philippines. There are forty-three poems in ‘Musings’. Some are mini-epics while one is a haiku. The title poem was featured in my high school yearbook. The rest are unpublished, many penned only recently. I chronicle in my inimitable style, producing polished narrative poetry.
The Third Pillar
Today marks the publication of my third book. After releasing a 300-page memoir, I needed another challenge. Poetry became my new frontier. I’ve self published many hard copies of my poetry debut. The journey to the finish line had hurdles. It took me a while before my finest was out there. As they say, ‘Pain is temporary, pride is forever.’
I’ve published works in three literary categories: fiction, nonfiction, and now…poetry. My current release is 116 pages and can be purchased as a PDF file on my site.
My designer did a splendid job again with the cover and book design. Props to him.
For all walks of life
This collection is witty, sharp, and relatable. You could be the school kid in the playground. Or the drowning ‘MIT’ student. Say hello to Sydney’s George Street and All Saints’ Day in the Philippines. Who is the metaphysician of verses? Where is Struggle Street? Join me as I scout houses with my mentor, Uncle Ned. These characters typify the so-called battlers, yearning for a fair go. Or you could be all of the above.
Whether in suburban Sydney or Wellington’s alma maters, in the ‘Town of Cuts’ or the State Library…welcome aboard! In my teens, Rizal and Jose Garcia Villa sparked my creativity. Villa’s reverse consonance and minimalist style gave my verses colour. Aside from this technique, I likewise mobilised couplets and alternate rhymes. There are no freestyle poems in this collection. Among my other poetic influences are Samuel Beckett, Haruki Murakami, and Emmy winner Atlanta.
Not a loose word
This project has been a long time coming. I’ve only become a prolific poet in the past two years. To collate, edit, and publish my work required patience and diligence. This book is a testament to my tenacity and resilience. As Ernest Hemingway once wrote, ‘Courage is grace under pressure.’
Happy Reading!
My instagram handle is @topherdman
My site’s literary section has my best poems: https://topherong.net/archives/category/literary
The ebook can be purchased on this page:
https://topherong.net/product/musings-poems-selected-and-new
Topher Wins, my memoir/self help book can also be purchased from my site:
Congratulations on the publication of your poetry collection. It’s a long process, I’ve been through it so I can relate. There are always ups and downs. But the important thing is that you got here.
Thank you. Yes, we got to trust the process. As they say, ‘No pain, no gain.’