AUTHOR STATEMENT:
My poetry looks to positively explore human potential, with an emphasis on love, spiritual growth and self awareness. It is very important to me that my work remains as open, accessible and as simply expressed as possible. My influences vary from the great traditional English visionary romantics through to the distillation of thought and leanness of expression offered by the Japanese haiku tradition, the shining examples of Rilke and Gibran – as well as (being a fully committed free verse poet…) the later technical breakthroughs achieved by leading Scottish concrete poets Ian Hamilton Finlay and Edwin Morgan.
WHAT THE CRITICS SAY:
“To write and sell poetry at a profit these days is a minor victory and a major achievement. Scott’s words gently unlock and force you to face and look at the world with a little more optimism. There are moments of deep joy and others, which take your breath away with simple incredible honesty”
G. White
“Scott Hastie’s verse is sympathetic, humanistic and positively affirmative. Accessibility is the touchstone of all Hastie’s output. The spiritual element in his writing is clear.”
G.E. Jones
“Scott writes meditative, reflective poetry that is steeped in the traditions of English verse. Concise and richly evocative, he should be widely read.”
R. Godwin
“Via an invisible gilded chain of perception, Scott Hastie generously leads us through an enthusiastic re-invention of the possibilities of new experience. His inspired words bestride the world with such ease, touching the deepest sensibilities of human beings everywhere.”
Sahar Tavakoli
YOUR COMMENTS
Neena Sharma on New Poem – There’s a storm
Ah Scottie sir…You have chiselled a wonderful marvel out of your creative instinct…Welled perhaps from your own treasured experiences I must say! Indeed, Life is not easy…We face every storm, braving each situation as though a fleeting scene of life, which you compared to the drifting landscape while travelling in a train and beholding through the window…So must we view every scene as a detached observer/bystander.
However, the quest for inner Joy remains. After every dark tunnel is a Ray of Light of hope. If we remember that nothing stays permanent…It is transient.
We shall gradually move from Despair to Hope, Darkness to Light…
Amidst the Storm, trust your inner instinct-the Divine Spark within.
STORM VERSUS THE SPARK! 🙂
Beautifully portrayed Feelings and Emotions- the pangs of your conscience!
Congrats!
With warm Greetings and Fond Regards
Neena
Old Egg on New Poem – There’s a storm
Such is life that we have a chance to enjoy it to the full or moan about it. Even today as an old codger there is still much to love.
Audrey Howittt on New Poem – There’s a storm
Storms birth all sorts of wonderful changes–and singing gives those changes grace–loved this–
Colleen Redman on New Poem – There’s a storm
The reference to sand makes me think how it can be smooth and comforting but also grist, an irritant. We tend to have amnesia after the storm. Love is the boat that has saved me.
Rommy on New Poem – There’s a storm
I am grateful for the sparks that inspired and warmed me, even the ones birthed in storms.
Beverly Crawford on New Poem – There’s a storm
:Such is our quest” …. A thoughtful and evocative poem, and I’m captured by thge last two stanzas.
Magical Mystery Teacher on New Poem – There’s a storm
To sing until I am no more sounds like a pretty good fate to me!
Magaly Guerrero on New Poem – There’s a storm
Truth dances so well with poetry; I especially love the first stanza, how it reminds us of why everyone thunders at some point.
Hazel on New Poem – There’s a storm
So soul-soothing. I love the hope and comfort in your words. Thank you so much.
Munia Khan on New Poem – There’s a storm
Yes, we love to live surrounded by the light of hope and positive vibes. Yet another excellent piece of work, Scottie. Always a pleasure to read and enjoy your insightful poem which never fails to bring joy! Thank you very much for this work.
Rosemary Nissen-Wade on New Poem – There’s a storm
There are times when this quest seems particularly challenging. You make a good case for doing it anyway.
J. Cosmo Newbery on New Poem – There’s a storm
“Otherwise living
Soon becomes too soft,
Like sand
Running through
Your fingers fast.”
Ain’t that the truth.
It is so easy to have nothing to show
for your time on this planet
Other than you age.
Khaya Ronkainen on New Poem – There’s a storm
That raging storm fuels our lives, and often our writing. Yours is a brilliantly captured storm. Your poem reads like a song, and speaks to the heart.
Prasenjit Shome on New Poem – There’s a storm
It really is a beautiful feeling to read the poem.
Rebecca O’Donnell on New Poem – There’s a storm
A much needed, different angle to view hard times. Thank you, Captain, my Captain.
Aria Ligi on New Poem – There’s a storm
Hastie’s new poem is a river of angst and hope beginning with such lines as:
“Otherwise living
Soon becomes too soft,
Like sand
Running through
Your fingers fast.
As if on a speeding train,
An idyllic summer’s landscape
Just drifting you by.
While culminating with the efferscent
To dare to make
Our hearts sing and sing…
And sing again…
Till we are no more!”
Surely in reading this, we are given hope that the struggle, to live in this life, and in this world, is not for naught.
John Lysaght on New Poem – There’s a storm
A beautiful poem rich in imagery. A burning fire, one of desire is a life force that is essential to becoming a participant in today, but it needs to be managed.
Cecilia Raldua Martín on New Poem – There’s a storm
“Wonderful poem as usual, thank you so much Scott.”
Barbara Kasey Smith on New Poem – There’s a storm
Dear Scott, this drew me in immediately, many of us are in these same types of life, the world seemed to be out-of-sorts for people. People must hold onto their beliefs, never allow falsehoods, conspiracy to fool with our minds, hold-on to what we have. Awesome Writing Scottie! Barb:)
Maxim Chernikov on New Poem – There’s a storm
This is an excellent metaphor for our crazy time and the need to resist the winds of chaos with the strength of spirit and strength of conviction!
Your friend and poet from Russia
Maxim Chernikov.
Linda Lee Lyberg on New Poem – There’s a storm
I love these lines:
‘Our tentative dreams,
Might one day garner
Sufficient purchase
To spark into life.’
That’s exactly how dreams become real- simply beautiful!
Gillena Cox on New Poem – There’s a storm
Very interesting. Luv the image of sand drifting through our fingers, Indeed we should live life and not let everyday just escape us
Much Love…
Hank Kaykuala on New Poem – There’s a storm
Limited by such narrow Constraint,
Such is our quest,Come what may
Yes Scott, there is a desire even expectations in all of us, like it or not!
Hank
Mrityunjay Dixit on New Poem – There’s a storm
That spark is very essential, loved it!
Ingrid on New Poem – There’s a storm
‘To dare to make
Our hearts sing and sing…
And sing again…’
Oh yes! A great poem. I agree there is a storm inside all of us, sometimes we write it out…
Helen on New Poem – There’s a storm
“One I hear many speak of… a burning river of sorts” ~~ you pulled me in, my heart skipped a beat reading these words … a beautiful poem.
Tvzi Feivel on New Poem – There’s a storm
Concisely expressed truths; very relevant.
Reflection upon the poem bears new light.
Paul Bowles on New Poem – There’s a storm
Thanks for the poem Scott. It is always welcome to be reminded of the hearts tug towards the joy of existence after a storm. It reminded me of ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow.’
Ben Alexander on New Poem – There’s a storm
In reply to Lillian.
me too! 😀
-David
msjadeli on New Poem – There’s a storm
“And it comes
Upon us like thunder,
Like flashes of light
Triggering
Along the line
Of a fracture.”
and then the gentle turn of
“But fear not”
Beautiful writing, Scott. Comforting also.
Georgina on New Poem – There’s a storm
I love the images of the storm but also the softness of sand and the running out of time. I guess we have to enjoy all weathers and as you say sing as we do not live long.
Ken Gierke on New Poem – There’s a storm
Well said. The songs born from those storms should be openly embraced.
Glenn Buttkus on New Poem – There’s a storm
I live with rage and pain, as I watch the things I used to enjoy and do fall away like dead skin. Yet, joy is still in the mix, and poetics and photography and fellowship urge me to arise with each dawn expectant and eager to jump back into the fray and tumble to come.
Kim M. Russell on New Poem – There’s a storm
The storm is there but not everyone has experienced it, let alone embraced it. Those of us who have are blessed.
Sanaa Rivzi on New Poem – There’s a storm
The opening lines really grip on my heart, yes there is certainly a storm inside all of us which reminds us that we feel, we think and have opinions and views and can make a difference. It tells us we are alive ❤️ and that the world is ours for the taking.
Lillian on New Poem – There’s a storm
I most especially like the affirmation in the ending!
Bjorn Rudberg on New Poem – There’s a storm
I like the thought of the storms coming from fractures… to me it talks about embracing the changes that come our way… enjoying the ride as much as we can…
Laurel Barron on New Poem – There’s a storm
Congratulations Scott too see your thoughts written by handheld is the best thing.
Madame Peacock Jones on New Poem – There’s a storm
All is well with me. I hoping everyone is in your circle of love are doing great. I enjoy reading your poems. They are phenomenal. You are a breathe of fresh air for the world to enjoy, relax and ex-hale. Happy New Year, and I’m always happy to hear from you. Always, Always!
J John Nordstrom on New Poem – There’s a storm
Brilliant work, Scott!!!
Mahnaz Mohafez on New Art Work – Dream of days
Awe-inspiring!
Mahnaz Mohafez on– OUT NOW! Selected Poetry
Congratulations, dear Scott
Mahnaz Mohafez on – OUT NOW! New Poetry
Congratulations!
Mahnaz Mohafez on New Image – Pastel perfect
Perfect!
Mahnaz Mohafez on New Poem – There’s a storm
Fantastic! Thank you, dear Scott!
William Bain on New Poem – There’s a storm
Coincidentally I thought of you a few days
ago. So writing to you was in the back of
my mind. Or r somewhere “in there–interesting
that phrase back of the mind. In any case,
in the front of my mind: your new image
(well, newly posted) is very captivating and
inspiring. You get some tremendous shots
with your photography.
“There is a storm” is harder to summarize.
One image that struck me as spot on is
sand running through your fingers fast.
That addition of “fast” really brings home
what sand does—or one of the things it
can do, depending on how you hold your
hand. There we always are, I think, holding
ourselves or looking at life now this way,
now that. Perhaps that is what your writing
most successfully brings out, our human
need to seek happiness, joy, which can
come/go fast or slowly.
Mbizo Chrirasha on New Poem – There’s a storm
Great stuff…I will feature in TIME OF THE POET REPUBLIC, miombopublishing.org.
Thank you greatly for sharing
Jay Fluery on New Poem – There’s a storm
Hello my friend from across the Pond… as ever a poem to ponder, Yes? May many more poems come forth???!!! Best, L.Wilfred Fleury D.Th.
John Rachel on New Poem – There’s a storm
I love this!
“But fear not,
Such friction gathers
All the while,
As it needs to.
So that these,
Our tentative dreams,
Might one day garner
Sufficient purchase”
Yes, to know the fear and doubt can be pushed aside to make room for our dreams — perhaps tentative at their inception — to emerge. How often we ourselves create obstacles. And how paradoxical is that!
Pedro de Quadros Du Bois on New Poem – There’s a storm
Excellent.
Laura Bailey on New Poem – There’s a storm
Wonderful, soul searching verse !
Thank you Scott so very much for sharing.
Julie Canfield on New Poem – There’s a storm
Lovely. You have so beautifully described what we all feel at times. Thank you for your so eloquent use of words.
Shari Roberts on New Poem – There’s a storm
This poem is outstanding…
Sasho Ognenovski New Poem – There’s a storm
Thank you for sharing your poem. I just wanted to write to you. I’m editing the fourth issue of my literary magazine “Literary elements” Let me know if you want me to translate your poem and to include it in it. It’s a hard copy and it’s on Macedonian language. I’ll send you a copy once it will appear.
Lisa C Miller on New Poem – There’s a storm
Powerful.
Dee on New Poem – There’s a storm
As Always Scott, your vision is spot on. As is your ability to express it. Love your work, congratulations on yet another profound work of art. Your view of life and the world is truth encompassed in beauty. I hope you’re aware of the lives you touch with your vision.
Myrna on New Poem – There’s a storm
Lovely. May we always sing.
Sherry Marr on New Poem – There’s a storm
Yes, our hearts must keep singing. There is always beauty, no matter what! Lovely poem, Scott.
Brandon Ellrich on New Poem – There’s a storm
Very nice…
Pushkar Bischt on New Poem – There’s a storm
Amazing lines.
I am also alone in my rebellion, Dear Scott.
Sharmishtha Basu on Another new publication
I love the name!
Sharmishtha
Sharmishtha Basu on New Poem –A Love Poem
Simply divine!
Sharmishtha Basu on first reviews for Timeless and Splinters
Beautiful words and they are so true! Your poems are magical!
Sharmishtha Basu on Timeless – a review by Aria Ligi
Great review Scott! Your poetry is amazing!
John Rachel on Timeless – a review by Aria Ligi
Taking an appreciation of Scott’s poetic genius to a new level!
J.T. Smith on Timeless – a review by Aria Ligi
Life shakes us like a violent wind. Scott Hastie the ever philosophical poet of our times mirrors our own sadness, fulfillment, and the dreams which run away a long distance. He is eloquent as well as mindful. I learned so much of romantic love from his oeuvre. Aria is a delicate flower that germinates into oneness. I must concur, Pranic Poetry is the magnum opus of Mr. Hastie’s collection of wisdom.
Splinters of Light feels like the culmination of all those decades seeking and wandering and wondering on the essence. I do hope more new writers can rediscover classics. We need to be observant. I implore you to scroll your emotions and pursue the ultimate Truth.
Namaste
While poetry is generally designed to connect us with beauty and emotion, Scott’s work goes beyond that in an important way: it gives readers the feeling that the teller himself is as lovely as the content, and elevates us to a sense that we are privileged to see things through his eyes. As his work gains a wider and wider audience, this phenomenon will become more fully recognized, but perhaps never fully explained.
Your poetry is simply beautiful, energetic, full of wit
and exuberant vitality.