Author Description

<p>Description<p> For as long as I can remember I have been driven by an inner conflict, the desire to conform on the one hand, the desire to rebel on the other. <p> My struggle with these polar opposites have led me into conflict with organised religion, a recurring theme in my poetry. My influences include Roger McGough, and Allen Ginsberg. Dark humour features in some poems, yet hopefully I'm not cynical, just wise to spurious religion's snares. <p> Perhaps the only place for me where the rebel/conformist conflict can be resolved is at the foot of Christ's cross = my reason for living, loving and leaving the past behind. <p>About the Author<p> Andrew Stephenson, 48, has been writing poetry for the last twenty years in Epsom. A breakdown in 1981 curtailed his Fine Arts Degree studies in Cheltenham. <p> Since 1982 he has been living and working back home. A further breakdown in 1990 has led Andrew to focus on writing poetry and songs, rather than painting and drawing. Despite being on medication, he had a part time driving job for over six years. <p> He currently writes songs, poetry, plays the guitar and sings, and continues his visual art interests. He illustrated the book's cover and fills his days as positively as he can.