Now here,

In my journey,

I search for my inner truth.

In a paradoxical way,

I was closer to the truth than I was to myself…

 

Author’s Preface

Poetry is not Dead: Just Less Read is my first self-published book of poetry, and I couldn’t be more excited to share it. The inspiration struck one day when I walked into a large bookstore, searching for the poetry section, only to find it tucked away on a shelf near the bathrooms. Despite the limited selection, I discovered a few books I truly enjoyed. This experience made me realize that poetry still has a place—it’s just less visible. That’s when I decided to name my first self-published book “Poetry is not Dead: Just Less Read.”

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The purpose of this book is not to teach the history of poetry, but to express my love for writing poetry and to promote the reading and writing of the most beautiful art: poetry. I still remember the first poem I wrote as a child. I was walking slowly along the beaches of the Caribbean Sea in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, scribbling verses on the back of my notebook. The gentle rush of waves filled the air, and the cool sand pressed against my bare feet. I breathed in the salty scent of the sea, feeling a quiet excitement as I put my thoughts into words for the first time. That simple act sparked a lifelong fascination with painting words. Writing became my creative outlet, my entertainment, and my therapy—a passion that has grown with me over the years and shaped how I find meaning in everyday experiences.

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Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Ahoy!

Coral reefs are enchanted by deeper blue waters.

Sail boats scatter the beach shores.

Sky blue waters lapping the shores, aligned with jetty rocks.

 

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, shows off lush green rainforest,

a tapestry of palm trees, coconut trees, and fruit trees in vertical bloom.

North of St. Vincent, La Soufriere, (Volcano) demands an audience.

Climb to her summit, your happiness is waiting there.

 

Over time, poetry became my companion in moments of joy and reflection, helping me process emotions and connect with others on a deeper level. In this preface, I want to share how my love of poetry blossomed through those formative experiences, ultimately inspiring me to publish my first collection and invite readers to join me in celebrating this timeless art form.

 

For the purpose of capturing the human experience, I have written my book of poetry in the Lollapalooza style of creative writing—a vibrant, eclectic approach that blends humor, surprise, and emotional depth. The Lollapalooza style draws inspiration from the lively energy of the festival, weaving together playful language, striking imagery, and unexpected turns to keep readers engaged and emotionally invested. This technique is essential for reaching a broad audience, as it allows poems to be both entertaining and thought-provoking.

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​My goal is to revive poetry for audiences aged four to 94 by using accessible language, relatable themes, and universal emotions that resonate across generations. Whether I’m writing about wonder, joy, curiosity, or introspection, I strive to ensure that each poem offers something meaningful for readers of every age—sparking laughter in children, reflection in adults, and connection among all who read them.

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Fancy a poem

Positive imagination sparks imagery.

Words fumble about.

Intuitively, I gather confidence.

In solitude, I face the fading moon.

Image-creating-words distinctly lined my paper…

 

With such a wide range of ages and backgrounds, I warmly invite readers to explore their own creativity and discover their unique poetic voice. Poetry is more than just words on a page—it can be a form of therapy, adventure, and a powerful tool for building wisdom. For example, writing poetry has helped me process difficult emotions during challenging times, turning ordinary days into opportunities for creative exploration, and offering valuable insights that deepened my understanding of myself and others. Through these experiences, I have found that poetry brings people of all ages together, fostering understanding, connection, and appreciation for the magnificent earth that nurtures and heals us. 

                                                                           -Gregorio Delicia John

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