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| This is my fifth book of poetry, but the first which
has a pronounced and definite character. This volume consists of previously
published work together with a number of new poems - all relating to or
inspired by Biblical stories, books or ideas. Many of the previously published
poems appear here in a revised - and, I hope, improved - form.
This volume is arranged in accordance with the parts of the Old and New Testaments, hence its name. The section called "Acts" starts with poems inspired by events in the life of the Early Church and concludes with three poems relating to the contemporary world. A number of themes permeate the collection: "Fire", "Autonomy", "Human ethical competence", "Friendship", "The Eucharist or Mass", "Sin as Separation", "Sacrifice as lifting up", "Atonement as reconciliation", "Justification as Theosis or Divinization and as Education." Ample end-notes highlight these themes, clarify some points of theology and also reference Bible verses and texts taken from Plato's writings. To a degree this volume is a poetic re-working of my theological treatise "The Good of Being" and if you are interested in the ideas contained here, I would recommend that you read that book also. |
To buy the book from Amazon USA
To buy a signed copy from me, send
me an email
UK: £5.00 incl p&P.
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|
Click here for the book's FaceBook page, where you'll find videos of me reading some more of the poems. This is my first collection of poems. It focuses on topics of spiritual and theological significance. The tone of the poems varies from anger and defiance in response to injustice, hypocrisy and foolishness; through sorrow and compassion in response to human suffering; to joy in response to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Some of the poems are inspired by my experience with counselling friends suffering from anxiety or depression, others address the issues of human autonomy, moral responsibility and psychological wholeness. |
| "Dr Lovatt's poetry is really beautiful, superb" |
| "The poems are profound and finely crafted." [Bishop Blake] |
To buy the book from Amazon USA
To buy a signed copy from me, send
me an email
UK: £5.00 incl p&P.
|
| Click here for the book's FaceBook
page, where you'll find videos of me reading some more of the poems.
This is my second collection of poems. It focuses on philosophical and emotional significance, and in particular the nature and experience of love. |
| Reviewed
by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
The Empty Bench - Songs of Love, Life and Loss by Stephen Charles Lovatt is a wonderful collection of poems that revolve around nature, love, and religion. The author's faith in Catholicism also plays a vital part in the theme of certain poems. Nature has always inspired many writers and poets. There much one can gain by observing nature. This collection of poems is one book where you feel like reading every poem. Each poem has something in it that makes a reader go through it again. The style is beautiful, simple, and elegant. The poems are lyrical and well worded with some amazing imagery. The poet's love for William Blake is evident in his use of language which borders on simplicity and elegance. It's been a while since the archaic and ornamental language of poetry has given way to simple, stark, and elegant language. We do not get to read poems that have words which require the reader to sit with a dictionary. Now we have poems which show the skills of effective wordplay. Simplicity of language is the keyword. 'The Welcome Rains' poem in the book is beautiful. It is metaphorical and profound. The same can be said for every other poem. 'What and Who' is another lovely poem where the connection between the body, soul, and spirit is handled deftly. The mystical theme of the poem is uplifting. The same can be said for this entire collection. |
| "I read some of your poetry and think it is beautiful. Wish I could write like that, but I can see that you were deeply inspired. Poetry like that only comes at certain times in one's life. I could not fault it either. On first reading it all flowed easily. You love with no reservation. In some ways I envy you your love. I always have doubts about mine." [Private correspondence from a female reader.] |
| "I read your poems and wow they remind me so much of this boy I'm so in love with like 'Him'; and the one where you say he touched you. I just wanted to let you know that I love these poems." [Private correspondence from a male reader.] |
To buy the book from Amazon USA
To buy a signed copy from me, send
me an email
UK: £5.00 incl p&P.
|
| Click here for the book's FaceBook
page, where you'll find videos of me reading some more of the poems.
This is my third collection of poems. It addresses political, philosophical and theological issues. |
| "Your poem 'The Coal Miner' is a metaphor for many people. To one extent or another life is like that for, perhaps, most, if not all people. I suspect that it is at least somewhat autobiographical in nature? The positive aspect of the poem is that, perhaps, most people will continue to 'at least not yet, admit defeat.' I believe that fact is not disconnected from God's influence in this world. Nothing in reality is, after all, disconnected from anything else. You're an excellent writer and poet in my humble opinion. Always enjoy your writing. It touches the mind, the heart, the soul and the emotions. This poem aroused empathy and compassion on my part for "the coal miner." [Gerald Peter Wensveen] |
| "Your poems really hit the spot and are heart warmingly felt with pasion and delight!" [Private correspondence from a male reader.] |
To buy the book from Amazon USA
To buy a signed copy from me, send
me an email
UK: £5.00 incl p&P.
|