Roger’s Creative Evolution – From Accountant to Poet
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To hear Roger’s heart through his poetry is such a gift to me. I sometimes share with clients that when Roger and I have journaled together using the I’m Fine: A Real Feelings Journal – I am often amazed at what he shares about what he wrote…a piece of his heart I didn’t know. Even more so with his poetry! There is such a beauty in getting to listen to the depth of his heart through his writing.
How did he become a poet? After retirement from CLA, a financial services firm, Roger was still recovering from cancer. Jill, our daughter, gifted him a Master Class membership. He looked through the offerings and chose How to Write Poetry by Billy Collins.
Roger is an intense and dedicated person. He loves, lives and works with passion and intention, and I was so impressed with the dedication and focus he poured into his class.
And then, I read his poems.
I found myself laughing, crying, pondering, and being touched.
I strongly believe we are all incredibly creative people. As an accountant, Roger was creative in coming up with innovative and effective solutions for his clients’ complicated issues. As a poet, his creativity has been unleashed in a new and different way. I have been amazed at his development of this part of himself…so creative, so insightful, so caring.
How does creativity show up in our life or in our work? What pieces of ourselves have been dormant and are waiting to be nurtured? What pieces of ourselves have we not even discovered yet?
As with most meaningful endeavors, there are those who come alongside us! Many friends have been supportive of Roger’s creative work. His good friend, Bill Eldridge, who happens to be our daughter-in-law Callie’s father, is Roger’s “Poetry Coach.” After writing a poem, Roger will send it to Bill. A few days later, the doorbell will ring and Roger and Bill are on for their poetry session. Bill, a former pilot who got his graduate degree in creative writing with an emphasis in creative after retirement, is a thoughtful and skilled artist himself. He challenges and encourages Roger – just like a good coach!
The Blue Gingham Band
Roger has always loved music. From being on the board of the Amarillo Symphony, to creating a small group of men in Des Moines who would gather and listen to great works of music together, to rocking out at a Bon Jovi concert with his best friend, to tearing it up on the dance floor (if you have ever been on the dance floor with Roger – well, you know he loves to dance), to creating a band with the grandkids and teaching them about rhythm, singing along, and playing the guitar…his love of music is deep and strong. He recognizes that songs are poetry and has also written two songs – both love songs for me, and they will be included. Enjoy!
Jill, our daughter, has compiled Roger’s poetry into four beautiful books. Jill and Brent, her husband, understand both the joy AND the vulnerability of creative endeavors. They are always eager to hear another poem and are encouragers “deluxe.” Jill and Roger have enjoyed working together to create these poetry collections.
Roger enhances my work of writing a monthly email and blog by creating a poem that coincides with the theme of the month. The monthly invitation is both challenging and inspirational, and provides a variety of topics for him to write about. He has written over 100 poems in this short period of time of about five years.
Often, I come home from running errands only to discover he had an idea and has begun working on a new poem. He listens to his heart and writes from his truth.
Art by Nawal Ghali
Ode to Today
By Roger C. Jones
It begins with eyes
cracking open like
the morning glory
unfurling to the
new born day.
Today begs for
attention–to
stand out– yes
be a notable
in the sea of
plentiful days.
Look at me,
it says with
fervor–hoping
to rise to
prominence,
seeking to not
be lost like
forgotten thoughts–
still living but
shrouded by
past regret or
the anxious future.
Today, this day is
your treasure,
your crown jewel,
your glory.
Seize it, if that
inspires you.
Likewise–
cherish it,
hold it, love it.
And as today ends,
gently closing
as the morning glory
in the evening,
may your today
have shined–
just as it
had longed for.
If you would like to contact Roger, his email is rogercjones7@gmail.com. He is recovering from his second knee surgery and would love to hear from you!
This month, you will get the privilege of reading a chosen selection of Roger’s poetry each day. Of course, I realize I am totally biased and so grateful I get to do life alongside Roger, the love of my life.
May you give yourself a gift each day – create some time, pour yourself a cup of tea, sit back, read his poem, and enjoy.
May you also reflect on what may be waiting to be expressed from deep within your own heart.
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