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by P. J. Bayliss (Author)
As 2025 begins to unfold, it marks a pivotal moment in the life of the author, who has chosen this year to release Burnt, along with other poetry collections. This decision stems not from external pressures, but from a personal sense of unfinished creative business. What began over a decade ago as a mindful hobby-an outlet for reflection amidst a demanding life-has evolved into a deeper, more purposeful journey.
A recent turning point came through an encounter with the Japanese philosophy of ikigai, introduced to the author by a close friend and confidant whose presence helped reignite a lost sense of purpose. Ironically, this friendship blossomed in the very workplace that once contributed to the author's emotional unraveling. It was a reminder that life still holds meaning-and that writing is an essential part of that meaning.
Burnt is a powerful compilation of dark poetry that explores themes of war, tragedy, grief, love, and existential terror. It serves as a poetic journal, capturing the author's internal responses to the world's turbulence and how those global events echo within his own personal life. The collection blends previously published material with new, raw reflections, offering readers a deeply human narrative. For anyone who has felt overwhelmed, disillusioned, or empathetic to the suffering of others, Burnt offers not just poetry, but solidarity-and perhaps even healing.
