Burning Candle

ISBN: 9781847471086 Published: 2007 Pages: 173 Key Themes: poetry, manic depression, bi-polar disorder, grief

Terry Beresford's Poems describe the experiences of manic depression. His poems are heartfelt, assured and full of pathos.

Terry has been married for 36 years and has 3 children. He grew up in Rainham, Essex and in 1966 joined the Fire Service, serving in the East End of London for nearly 20 years. In 1985 Terry suffered an accident which forced him to retire. Since 1990 Terry has been diagnosed with manic depression, he was prompted to write poetry to come to terms with his illness. Many of Terry's poems were written while he was in the depths of depression. Terry is a volunteer with Basildon Mind where, for 13 years, he has helped with their counselling service. Terry's hobbies include collecting Fire Service memorabilia and writing. He has written four books to date, 'Burning Candle' is his second to be published.

GLAD AND SAD

Winter comes, we are sad Summer here we are glad Raindrops on our face The sun within your heart Go with the flow, at your pace Stick with nature, don't grow apart Butterflies, they come and go Buds flower, they have made a start Birds duck and dive in the skies Bees and wasps fly around the flowers Pollinating and feeding all day It comes and goes, glad and sad Sit down; relax in sun's warm rays Imagine the sun is all around for days No winter in your heart.

GO WITH THE FLOW

It came upon me in a different way, It ripped my guts away Damage done, for all to see, So powerful, fearful, just not me. Perhaps next time I'll kill No way - not on - time to change It caught me out, no time to run, But my memory stays intact. To recall, Assess and plan defeat Return the compliment that's what I'll do Surprise, Change tack, beat the bum, Fight, keep on, it'll soon come. Albeit a different way. Boundaries 'amust, to save defeat Others must guide me though. If we are to gain our goal In cotton wool I'll win the war, Is that a lot to ask? Prove myself, no need for me An open book I feel. Slow down, take nothing on