£5.00
175 in stock
By Damien Pragnell
ISBN: 978-1-84991-058-3
Published: 2010
Pages: 67
Key Themes: poetry, recovery, positivity, Australian based author
Description
THE ARTIST’S DISEASE is my most current anthology. A mixture of observations, analysis and love coloured by the visions my illness granted me. The Artist’s Disease will give readers an insight into mental health issues and recovery from an Australian perspective. My writing has for me been more than self analysis. It has been a poetic journey through the pits and peaks of madness and beyond.
About the Author
Damien was born in Seven Hills, Sydney, Australia in 1958. He was one of five children, all of whom are creative. His father was a British Paratrooper and Mentor to Damien. His mother was a warm, supportive woman with her own artistic gifts. When they found out that Damien had bipolar she danced him around the kitchen saying “son, you have the artist’s disease’. Damien has completed qualifications in library studies which compliments his life long love affair with poetry and writing. Damien has also had a long history of involvement with music, theatre and literature. He names his diverse influences as the Beat Poets, Native American Shamanic writings, Pink Floyd, Steve Vie and Van Gelis just to name a few. Despite these numerous influences, Damien’s voice emerges as a highly original and gifted poet. Damien has entered the chaos and pain of illness and emerged into recovery as a strong, expressive, generous and giving man. He credits his recovery and positive outlook to family, his writing, a commitment to wellness and the positive supports of the people around him.
Book Extract
Before My Time
Before my time has come and gone.
I want to pen an anthem.
Something bittersweet, yet strong.
The kind that has the D.Js
Raving all day long.
As sure as men are born,
of good intent.
As sure as women can convince you,
they are Heaven sent.
My song will have its roots in blues.
A hook that eases worried heads.
There was a time when my mind was lost,
on the Sixties form of treason.
This time that swells within,
now offers me true freedom.
When my time has come and gone.
A shadow moves across my lifeless form.
Revelation of the Great Beyond.
An angel will surely sing,
my one and only song.
Revealing aspects of the spirit world.
When my time has come and gone.
Like Peas In A Pod
So, if there is no God
No angels up above
We can all still love each other
Just like peas in one large human pod
(I stole that thought from
“Invasion of the Body Snatchers.”)
And when we are finished
Weary with these tired old bodies.
Maybe there will be a friend, of which one can give a nod,
Who will rake the leaves
Off our crumbling bones beneath,
Or every now and then …
turn the rich and fertile sod.
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