Derek McKinstry

I wrote the first poems in this book as a way of dealing with the tragic loss of my brother. Whilst we must all face the loss of loved ones in our lives we seem totally unprepared for this when it happens.

Our society seems geared for gain and for winning with spirituality seeming something than it has ever been, not even been. I felt that I could not turn to a structured form of faith for comfort and instead tried to find a personal belief and a faith in a spiritual existence which did not come with doctrines or moral judgements that I felt uncomfortable with.

Grief comes from love and love is the most precious gift we have. Through love comes joy. At times we see a lack of love in this world, and this was also a catalyst for writing many of these poems.