The poems contained within Beyond the Parasol were all written in the period between September 2003 and May 2004. Originally I didn't intend to publish them; mainly because of their autobiographical nature (particularly the ones from 'Ten Minutes Only.') However, the book quickly seemed to shape itself and I thought I'd share the collection with a wider audience.
The symbols and images I use tend to harness nature, the sea and observations of everyday people. I have tried to allow each poem to live in its language, using the imagery as a starting point.
The title poem opens with a series of pictures, which expand as the poem develops until it disappears into its final line:
'Beyond. Beyond the parasol'.
This line sets the scene for the entire collection. Mysteriously absorbing, it reminds us that there is a lot to be discovered in the changing world beyond the four walls we may live in - or, in the case of this poem, beyond the parasol in my own East-End back garden.
My hope with this book is that it will be enjoyed and understood by the reader at whatever level. Much contemporary poetry can be pretentious and superficial. I believe this is not the case with this collection. I would like to think that the reader is taken on a journey around the many different aspects of life explored here.
The poems are not just full of meaning. They are being themselves.
Poet, writer and teacher Stephen Leake was born in Blackpool, Lancashire, England. He studied music at the City of Leeds College of Music and the Birmingham Conservatoire. After completing teacher training in 1992, he settled in London where he continues to live with his partner.
Recognised as a 'Spotlight Poet' by the Forward Press earlier in 2004, he continues to write for various magazines and is an active member of The Poetry Society Of Great Britain. Stephen is currently working on his next volume of poems.