INTRODUCTION

Through an open Window David Ratcliffe 

Come with me; step Through an Open Window and take the hand of its masterful creator, poet David Ratcliffe as he takes and leads us on a journey of time, place, life and heart. His. Best served in a quiet corner, sipping slow on a single malt local whiskey, perhaps near sea when moon dances and while world chases sun. Come. Pause. look in Through an Open Window. Let these poems take you there.

I have had the pleasure of David’s words, creativity, and his company for several years now. Be those words poetry, prose, monologue, or song, they never fail to take me on journeys beyond my knowing.  As they will you. Above all else his I’ve had his friendship. His poetry just like his friendship reflects true original character. The organic sort, the sort you want shut out the world with, and have long conversations with for hours. With fiercely strong foundations in every line on every page, erecting solid frames for each individual piece to hold themselves in .  His dedication to fine tune each word is so prominent you can’t help being star stuck and gaze as it continues to gift, in every word right to the last. 

David isn’t afraid to go there, to the depths most shy from. His thoroughness within every poem gifts each time every time you move your eyes over them, right into your own core. Easing you in powerfully from his seven-year-old self all the way through every pane of his life. These poems will awe you; bleed your tears dry, have you smile many sunrises and chill you more than winters first frost. Each piece, every line meticulously chiselled out to give full view, holding a strength in each, few poets can do.

Every one of these poems are loyal. Loyal to their crafter. Seeped in honesty. Raw to the marrow decorating the page beautifully.   I’m indebted to his craft. This collection shows the best of his years with pen on page.  All of it mirrors a man, the man, him with pure full hearty passion to write, not just any auld sort, the stuff your inner shadows are made from. Through The open Window lives up to its title. Come take a look of the view within.

Polly Richardson Munnelly 2021. Poet. Worldly Worder. Author of “Winters Breath”