I Am Not Myself

With a rejection of the 'I' and an embrace of the 'i', this collection of verse makes the bold statement that i am not myself. It is possible that we are the sum total of our experiences, but we are certainly not fully formed by them. Transformation is a reality. With great energy and jubilance, this book celebrates moments of true virtue, and extracts virtues that can be taken from the seemingly mundane. If every moment is a parable, and every parable has a profound truth, then this book is on the lookout for the profound. Journeying from the deep of Wanting to a heart that is Coming to Come, this book observes the lessons of a single life and that of the lives of others, in the aim to learn the important lessons of love, faith and hope. Michael Campbell's first selected book of poetry is wonderful to read and a pleasure to experience. In this book, Campbell bravely crafts personal nuggets of time and life. From the moment you read the well-paced, Wanting through to the sublimely evocative Elephant Dance, you are held in a world that is warm, inviting and intelligently observed. This writing is engagingly maverick, technically proficient and celebrates his heritage with pride and energy. I would urge students embarking upon a path in which creative writing is important to them, to purchase this book. I look forward to reading more from this exciting poet. - Eli Anderson, Master Storyteller, Poet & Narrative Coach. Poetry is an art form testament to a gift not all of us have; Michael has it and uses it to bring to the fore not just his personal thoughts but those of the community from which he comes. This book represents a brilliant start to a writing career I believe will hit great heights. - Bishop Dr Joe Aldred, Churches Together in England/Roehampton University