In Between the Dark and the Light E-book

Stepping out of the shadows of a series of psychotic episodes, battling mind-crippling self-doubt and depression and extreme feelings of being lost, loss and loneliness;

- to the excitement of getting together with my wife and soul mate, rediscovering my passions and the joy of becoming a dad for the first time...

These are some of the themes influenced by events that have taken place over the last decade of my life and inspired ‘In Between the Dark and the Light’, a collection of 36 poems I’ve poured my heart into, torn open my chest and let my soul spill out onto the pages of this book.

Life Goes On

Life goes on regardless,

of who's right or wrong.

The hardest part's to start from scratch,

part of the hardest task's to ask...

What went wrong?

And how can,

I become a better man?

And try to live and learn from past mistakes,

and try to give and earn respect and make

the choice not to repeat the past.

The choice to see it as a draft,

a pencil sketch that's not yet inked.

A mental stretch to help you think

through all the things that made you's sink.

And all the things you'd like to change,

and all the things you'll keep the same.

Be grateful for those you hold dear,

the friends and family far and near.

You will survive and grow and thrive

and move towards a brighter future,

starting with a new beginning

while the world continues spinning.

Life goes on.

Reviews:

• "Some people have a calling, and for James this is poetry. I interpreted this book as an exploration of the concepts of creativity, individuality, love, hope, despair, resilience, vulnerability, strength, weakness, and so on. James is heartfelt and sometimes painful when it comes to the sincerity of his words. But at bottom, he has a message of positivity that he wishes to share. This book was a wonderful read." - Dave Griffiths
• "This compilation of powerful and heartfelt poems literally takes the reader on a journey between the darkness and light. And is a fascinating insight into the inspirational mind of James Annandale." - Richard Ley
• "Epic journey man! I remember sitting stirred and in awe as you recited lengthy verse from memory with such depth of feeling...and that your works were featured at path side points around Loch Leven alongside works by Scotland's Poet Laureate. I look forward to this new opus!!" - Graham King
• "Love these poems! An artist's reflections on a journey through his own mental health trauma and the loss of loved ones towards a new appreciation for life, love and work - a starburst of words that warm, inspire and at times challenge society's norms." - Kate Lang