About the Author
During his college days in the 1970’s and into the early years of his career, James W. “Bill” O’Clock had a passion to put down his feelings in rhyme. He created a collection of poems that dealt with a wide range of real, dreamlike and otherworldly tales. Writers such as C.S. Lewis and songwriters like Harry Chapin inspired him to use his poems to convey symbolic values and ideas. His time in government service also allowed him to travel, spend time at sea, see different cultures, and meet fascinating people, providing ample inspiration that found its way into his poetic writings.
Poetry writing waned for several decades as Bill pursued professional and educational interests but his dream to someday return to composing poems was never lost. One influence that later played a major role in causing him to revisit his love for poetry was a keen interest in the field of bioethics. Bioethics deals with what mankind ought to do or ought not to do in the areas of medical science and technology, which includes abortion, cloning, stem cell research, artificial intelligence and human engineering. While working toward advanced degrees in bioethics, Mr. O’Clock’s writing skills improved and the desire to begin a new chapter as a poet began to take form.
Now retired, Bill O’Clock is rewriting some of the poems he penned almost 50 years ago, equipped with knowledge gained over time and the influence of his Christian faith. A family collaboration was also birthed, so, working together with his editor wife Pirkko and illustrator son Peter and with the assistance of others, two fully illustrated poems have been published. The author’s poems could be described as short stories that happen to rhyme. The stories deliver a deep understanding of situations to which teens to adults will relate, while the fantastic artwork enhances the storyline on each page, verifying the adage “a picture is worth a thousand words.”
The first book, SOCOBY (State Or Condition of Being Young), was published in 2022. SOCOBY is the main character in the story, representing all of us traveling through life’s journey. This trek leads him (or us) to those who want to either help or hurt, as well as the consequences of choices, especially the ultimate choice we all face. For more information, go to https://www.socoby.com or to review/purchase go to https://www.socoby.com/sales/.
The second illustrated poem is Little Bird with One Wing and was published in 2024. It tells the disturbing story of those who apparently don’t fit in and are not considered whole, especially those who are virtually invisible because of their first place of residence. Currently, this story is tragically played out day after day in this world because of fear, ignorance and selfishness. For more information, go to https://www.little-bird-1-wing.com or to review/purchase go to https://www.little-bird-1-wing.com/sales/.
A third tale, tentatively entitled Main Street Blues, is being drafted to be hopefully published sometime in 2025. It focuses on two friends living troubled lives in the Dakotas. They desire a night on the town, but find themselves overwhelmed by alcohol and drugs and need supernatural intervention to rescue and transform them.