The Wanderer
A Poetical Journey
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
Fittingly, the first poem is one that was published a year ago and competitively selected for inclusion on a poetry CD. It speaks of simple family matters.
The Reunion
I know not Josh but know he is loved
Waiting for our departure from Portland
a crowd descends upon the gate.
Cameras ready, recording the moments
signs declaring the approaching arrival
of someone long missed.
Excitement builds as All wonder
who this person of fame is.
Anticipation escalates as family and relatives
block the arrival gate
each anxious to catch the first glimpse.
Again, I ask myself, "Who is this Josh?"
All now watching this scene unfold
Josh finally emerges -- tall, young, and lean
dressed in the suit of a returned missionary.
After many hugs and some tears
the human drama moves on.
We board our plane
Somehow moved because Josh returned.
The poems contained in this chapter were written during my around the world journey in March and April of 2001. While the trip only lasted 24 days, its impact was far more profound. It was a physical and mystical journey that was part of a lifelong dream. In many ways it was also a pilgrimage. For years I wanted to sail around the world. But alas, time, family, responsibilities, and so forth gradually brought me to the realization that this particular dream would probably not occur. Never one to give up my dreams, I decided to modify. Thus, I planned a trip around the world but via jet....much faster...yes, less adventurous...but still wondrous. Throughout the adventure, I not only wrote poetry but also thoroughly enjoyed renewing friendships, savoring magnificent meals and wines (also, some great beers), meeting wonderful people, and casting my gaze upon spectacular scenery. Being an avid and serious amateur photographer, I took many pictures to accompany my poems. To view them, please go to my website at www.poeticaljourneys.com.
During this journey I also experienced some wonderful amenities, which I will share with you. These recommendations include housing, airlines, restaurants, tour companies and even one airport. Disclaimer: Please note that these are my opinions based upon my experiences. Should you choose to follow my advice, my wish is that you too will have similar wonderful and memorable experiences. But, I can make NO GUARANTEES. For me, the trip started on March 20, 2001 with departure from Cleveland Hopkins Airport (not an airport where you want to spend much time) and ended on my return to Cleveland Hopkins on April 14, the day before Easter. My good friend Patrick accompanied me for 14 of the 24-day trip. (Yes, we are still friends.) Patrick and I flew separately, and on different days, to Los Angeles where we joined each other for our Air New Zealand flight to Auckland. While Patrick has traveled extensively in the U.S. with an occasional trip to Toronto, he had never crossed an ocean. This trip was quite an experience for him. My travels included the North Island of New Zealand, Australia (Sydney, Tasmania, and Perth), Bali, Singapore, Frankfurt, and home
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
Poet Bob Casey in his book The Wanderer: A Poetical Journey takes the reader on a journey of introspection and self-realization. Likewise, you travel with him to distant countries. Humor, romance, love, adventure, and poignant observations are woven throughout.
The book's key sections include Life, The Eternal, Beauty, and Love. The final section takes you on a poetic journey around the world. Even those who never plan to leave their easy chairs will enjoy his poems, comments, and recommendations about New Zealand, Australia, Bali, Singapore, and Frankfurt.
The Wanderer differs from many poetry books in that the poet provides relative supportive information regarding each poem. You will be challenged and moved to examine your core beliefs. Bob's writings delve into commonly shared topics including the observable and the unobservable, the simple and the complicated, and the physical and the spiritual.
As one reader proclaimed, "Bob's poetry is written for the common person. You feel better when you are finished. It's intelligent, yet soft and honest. Your comments that accompany are wonderful. They help us to understand and trust you. It is particularly interesting to me because your poems seem to be living, continuously offering New Hope to your reader."
About the Author
Bob Casey is a poet, writer, educator, speaker, and presenter. Most importantly, he is a devout Seeker. He sees life as a journey filled with innumerable lessons. Everyday experiences whether joyous, mundane, or tragic teach those lessons. His poetry reflects those sentiments. He spent much of his working life in Ohio, first as an educator and a consultant and now a professional writer. The wanderlust has sunk deep roots into him. He has cycled, hiked, sailed, and traveled to many far off destinations. A favorite memory is the year spent on a teaching Fulbright in New Zealand. Bob sees travel fostering an appreciation of our oneness and our dynamic diversity that exist within this world. His many diverse interests, including yoga, Tai Chi, skiing, roller blading, photography, and wine collecting inspire him to consume life while savoring the moment. Again, all these facets deeply impact his writing. He and his family reside in Fredericktown, Ohio. While Bob has had numerous poems and articles published, this is his first book. He has already begun work on his second, The Journey of a Soul. For more about the author and his writings or to contact him, go to