LORIS, S.C., June 17, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Poet Rupert Hickman made a promise to his dying grandfather: Hickman would become the caretaker of the family. Not one to break a promise, Hickman has captured the roller coaster of feelings and emotions dealing with family members in his new book of poetry, Garden Symphony (now available through 1stBooks). An avid gardener, he writes in terms of his garden -- its beauty, serenity and illustration of nature.
All the poems in this book are a realistic portrayal of the gardener's love for his six-acre flower garden; his wife, Doris; his children; his family members; and his spiritual journeys with loved ones of the past. In "Who Is the Gardener," he identifies the person who creates the lush garden, further described in "Garden Symphony." In this poem, the species of beautiful flowers are described as joining together as an orchestra of sounds sung by nature and its creatures. "Mom It's Me" is the touching poem of a young boy who dies before age five. He returns as a glorious redbird. One of the poems about his family, Hickman's "Three Scores," is the portrayal of two brothers remembering their boyhood as they journey through six decades of living.
Writing poetry helped him cope with the trials and struggles in dealing with family members and friends. An inspiring book of heartfelt creative writing, it encourages not only patience, tolerance and understanding, but outlines the importance of carrying out promises. Readers will find a renewed sense of imagination and dreaming within the lines of Hickman's poetry.
Hickman, in addition to being an avid gardener and poet, is a photographer and songwriter. Influenced by southern history, he was a participant in the civil rights movement in the 1960s. He has been involved with many legislative issues in South Carolina, including those dealing with education and reapportionment. He holds a bachelor's degree from Benedict College in Columbia, S.C., and a master's degree from North Carolina Central University in Durham. He also completed the book Winds of Autumn.
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