My Personal Journal

About the Book

"My Personal Journal" is a collection of poems written over the course of a couple of years, November of 2003 to June 2005. When I first began to write I had no pre-conceived idea of why I decided to keep a journal or why my thoughts turned into what can be considered my best attempt at writing poetry. Most of what you'll find in these poems are fictional experiences and ideas that came from my imagination. I felt it necessary to expose fears and doubts as well as hopes and dreams in order to express myself. There are moments of sarcasm, melancholy and joy but the important thing is that all are told with the idea that there should be no discrimination or judgment placed on passing thoughts. It is in my honest opinion that language offers a receptacle for beauty and meaning. With that being said, I try to depict all situations and struggles in life with a quiet observing eye, even if what I see is negative, my thoughts remain positive. It is safe to say there is a design for everything that was written and revealed. Trying to understand different perspectives and opinions is very important to me, so I tried to reflect that in the poetry. I understand that in offering these poems to the public I am vulnerable to people's criticism, but I don't mind showing the insecurities and fallible nature of human existence. Besides, much of what I have written has helped me to learn how to find humor in myself and also become a better person. I hope that my poetry can be used as a tool for your development or at least another way of thinking so that you might be able to relate and grow as an individual. R.L. Swarts

About the Author

About the Author

R.L. Swarts was born in Buffalo, N.Y., he is the youngest in a family of five. Most of his early adult life was dedicated to creating fine art, then by chance he began writing poetry in the Fall of 2003 as a means of expression through another medium.

      The subject matter Mr. Swarts enjoys writing about is heavy in visual content.  Environments and simple imagery are a big part to both his art and poetry.  Each and every poem in this book you'll find is an exercise an understanding intuition. In order to explore the thought processes in his life, Mr. Swarts tried to tap into the feelings and thoughts that he could not explain. 

      The poetry of R.L. Swarts is an attempt to depict a vision of nature and humanity as it exists in a fictional shape and form. In doing so his poetry functions as an intimate offering of self actualization through acceptance and discovery.  Within the realm of artistic form and communication, R.L. Swarts allows intuition and reflection to be the two components that will help him travel the path that we all find ourselves on.

      For more information about the artist, R.L. Swarts you can check out his website, www.swartsdesignco.org