"Required reading" for today's smart writer.

"Required reading" for today's smart writer.
Information & inspiration to hone your craft and increase your cash...Since 2009

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

A Tribute to Peter McWilliams


He was to poetry what Picasso was to art.
For me, his eloquence was unequaled.
Here was a man who had experienced every emotion that the heart had the capacity to feel, and unshamefully shared it with the world.
He was a “hopeless romantic”. And yet he was a hopeful romantic.

Peter’s work was raw. It was real. He spoke in a language that every human could relate to regardless of race, religion, orientation or background.
In fact, he was so gifted that I’m afraid that my words in this tribute will not sufficiently do honor to his.

As an avid reader and poet myself, I stumbled across his writings many, many years ago while browsing the selection of books at a used book store.
If I remember correctly, (because I’ve purchased quite a few), the book that began my love affair with him was “How to Survive the Loss of a Love.”
Very few poets’ work can bring me to tears; he is one of them.

Every woman longs to hear the words that he expresses, and some of us even pretend that he’s written those words for us. :-)

As I sit here today, and reflect upon his contributions to the world of creative arts, and browse through his book, “Come Love With Me and Be My Love,” I’m trying to come up with my favorite piece. I can’t.
They’re all beautiful pieces. Some are brief and playful, others are introspective and painful, and some defy description.

Here’s a sample of his work, (one of my favorites).

I wanted to
Spend the night with you
Eat with you
Take you to meet my friends
Make you one of them
Take you to bed
Make you one with me
Say I love you
Hear you say the same
Meditate, with your heart as
My mantra.

I wanted the sun,
And a goodly portion of the moon.
All I got was this poem,
Which I wanted to be
A happy one.

This year marks the anniversary of Peter McWilliams’ death.
I only recently learned of the tragedies surrounding his demise.
May he rest in peace.
May he know the many legions of fans he left behind.
May he know that his life mattered.


For more information on his works see this site: http://www.myspace.com/petermcwilliamstribute

11 comments:

  1. I wanted to tell the world just how touching and terrific Ms. Banks' words about Peter are!

    I've read a few tributes to Peter-this one has just become one of my all-time favorites.

    Just like Peter, you shoot from the hip, tell it like it is, but wrap it inside layers of beauty and passion.

    Bless you and your work, Ms. Banks-
    I know in my heart you've done Peter proud!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks so much. You have made my day!
    This is proof positive that my life as a writer has been blessed. And God bless you.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm so glad I discovered your talent via the Peter McWilliams Myspace. Although I'm not on Myspace, I do enjoy the page and visit it often. Like you I am a big fan of Mr. McWilliams.

    I loved your first blog there but I love this one even more. I agree, your writing really touched my heart! I think it's great that you are living your dreams, not just talking about them like so many people.

    Take care,
    Steph
    ps. I am not sure how to include my email on here without it showing but I'd love to be updated on your latest works!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Steph,

    Thanks so much for your kind comments and for taking the time to leave them. I am indeed grateful for the spiritual gift of writing.

    If you'd like my updates, please go to the right side of the blog section that says "FOLLOWERS" (with all the faces). Click on and follow the simple directions. It will not show your Email.

    I look forward to hearing from you again on future posts. Be well.:-)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Jennifer,

    Luv this post.You are right, Peter McWilliams talent is undeniable...gone too soon as so many talented & gifted creatives have...

    Clara.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Jennifer Brown BanksApril 6, 2010 at 5:45 PM

    Thanks, Clara.

    Did you get his book, or is this the first exposure you've had to him?

    ReplyDelete
  7. As an aspiring writer just starting to get notice, I find Peter's words and inspiration. Love your blogs and thank you for leading me to the wonderful tribute at Peter's Page.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Jennifer Brown BanksApril 8, 2010 at 11:49 AM

    Kevin,

    It's great to have you join us. You can't go wrong by using Peter's words for inspiration and guidance.
    Thank you for your kind comments, and for visiting my site. Hope to find you here again soon. Much success to you in your writing career.

    ReplyDelete
  9. The enthusiastic young person who runs "Peter's Page" pointed me to *your* page so I could tell you how much I appreciated reading what you had to say about him.

    I'm 69 years young and I think it's really nice that you all still remember this man who was gone from us for a decade now. I love "How to Survive the Loss of a Love." I've looked at it so much, the pages are pretty beat up.

    I don't Tweet and I don't do Fakebook, I just wanted to let you know I love your writing.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Jennifer Brown BanksApril 16, 2010 at 12:18 PM

    Frankie,

    Your words warm my heart. "How to Survive..." is one of my favorites of Peter's books as well.

    He is dearly missed.

    I hope you'll visit my blog again soon and share your thoughts. Be well.:-)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hello, I do not agree with the previous commentator - not so simple

    ReplyDelete