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A Vision of Hope

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How to buy a copy of the book of poems written for Reuben and Friends

Poem Examples

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Acknowledgements

Reuben and Friends' A Vision of Hope book launch was on Thursday 15th September 2005, in conjunction with Borders Book Store, Birstal.

This saw the hard work of Reuben and Friends' Trust Manager - Helen Barker and her friend Andrew Brown come to fruition. Between the two of them they have created a collection of inspirational poetry based upon everyday life experiences - love, loss, friendship, life, death, marriage and divorce.

Much of their work has been expressed through personal life experiences and they hope that by putting their feelings on paper they are able to help raise money towards the Reuben and Friends Charity.

The Book which is called ' A Vision of Hope' which also happens to be the Charities' tag line has been warmly received by Borders Book Store in Birstal who were only too pleased to help with the launch.

One of the Charities' supporters, Chantelle Cocking who was a friend of Reuben's mum, Michelle, was actively involved in getting both Borders and Reuben and Friends together for the initial meeting to discuss a backer to support the launch. Chantelle had heard about the book and knew that the team were looking for a local book store to help them and very kindly used her contacts at the shop to help pave the way for the event.

 

Borders were only too pleased to assist with the Champagne Reception and book signing event which was attended by guests invited by the team, together with their Patron, Duncan Wood from Calendar News.

Should you wish to place an order for the book which costs just £5.99 for a collection of 100 stories and poems then please contact us.

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Here are a couple of examples:

Sit for a while

 Please sit for a while, remember a moment, cast your mind into a direction where you remember a smile.
Sit for a while and remember the good and bad times we had.
Smile when you remember a memory that made us laugh.
Remember our tears and pain. Remember the truth, the happiness and the bond that held us together.
Sit for a while and share a tear, think only good of me, do not drown in self-pity or anger.
Sit for a while and close your eyes drift into memories of pleasure,
that morning we played in the crisp snow, the coldness of our breath,
the laughter that comes from enjoying the life we have.
Sit for a while and remember the day we argued over nothing,
the things we said in moments of dissatisfaction,
they are memories that we fear the most,
but remember words we spoke are said in moments of anger and carry no meaning.
Sit for a while and remember me, I will always be with you,I will never leave your heart,
sit for a while and remember me,
Daddy sit for a while and forget the pain, sit for a while and think of me.

Andrew C Brown
October 2004

Leaf

A lack of want is all I desire
Not sealed certification
That has failure embossed into it
No defense sees dawn on the horizon and
Belief in his own rhetoric dissipates pathetically
Like butter melting in the sun
Our summer relationship turned rancid
Hidden in the comfort of daily routine
Legendary impulsiveness gives way to reticence
I too spin my thumbs to think
Words form in my head but cannot be extracted, they have drowned in a single tear
The mask was ripped and its shreds have long since dissolved
Sense of self, esteem and an entirety publicly denied
What’s left of an innocent trust wrapped in the insincerity of normality?
Incoherent thoughts to remedy that situation borne out in a certain outcome
This is one graduation ceremony I'm not pleased to stand
Its finality should herald new beginnings not
Rub rocks of salt painfully deep into wounds
This new found freedom won't be an end to it
I cannot create the circle
Normality was never to be my chosen path
I have created a twisted tree, its diseased branches stretch into brittleness
Time and again looking for new growth finding only pity or a closed door
Following each to the end searching for just one sign of life
A place to catch my breath and grow
A place to tend a trusting green leaf of my own

Helen Barker
2004

 

To order a copy of the book call:

Karen Jeffery on 01274 872664

Please note that all proceeds (except production and printing cost) go the charity - no commission has been charged by any parties involved. Please order your copy now - please help us to make a difference!

 

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Reuben and Friends would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has played such an active and enthusiastic role in the production and promotion of the book - Chantelle Cocking for getting the ball rolling in what has to be a very difficult part of the chain and Richard Greenwood at 'Imagine' in Cleckheaton who has worked tirelessly to produce and print the book.

Also a huge thank you to and Ailsa and Alex at Borders Bookstore, who also arranged a pre book launch day and raffle in July and helped raise £280.00 for the charity. Additionally, they did everything to beg, steal and borrow food, drink and props for the book launch. Their enthusiasm has been infectious...thank you ladies!