Local poet and songwriter John Eaton has released a new collection of poems and songs titled Life is a Rollercoaster, delving into themes of love, loss, war, and peace.
Published on Monday, May 5, the anthology includes a mix of poetry and 13 original songs. Several of the works respond to contemporary global issues, including the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Among the standout poems are Immortal Shrine and Cold, Cold Heart, which confront the brutality of war through stark imagery and emotional reflection.
In Immortal Shrine, Eaton writes:
“It is sad, so very sad, when you see bodies in the street,
Blood pooling by their feet.
Raping children by the side of the road,
Then watching their bodies decompose.
Massacre; genocidal crimes.
What is it that you feel inside?”
Another poem, Cold, Cold Heart, offers a bleak portrait of conflict:
“It’s winter in the cities; it’s freezing in the towns.
The countryside is full of snow,
You’re aiming to bring our country down.
You’ve got a cold, cold heart.
You’re lost in your cold, cold mind.”
The collection also integrates multimedia elements. QR codes included throughout the book allow readers to stream accompanying music videos.
A spokesperson for Eaton described the anthology as “a powerful reflection on the human condition,” adding: “This collection invites readers to contemplate the extremes of existence—from the heartbreak of loss and the devastation of war, to the enduring hope found in love and peace.”
Life is a Rollercoaster is available for purchase at major bookstores and online at spidlingproductions shop.
