
In the near distance a church bell rings,
The same nightly tune before the chorister starts the hymns,
The church stands for tradition and for what some believe.
The bell signals a place of peace, where one can grieve.
Religion and beliefs give solace to some.
For other’s it’s insurance for when the fatal day does come.
Life changes are not only restricted to when one is dead.
Paths that are lived can be twisted, then down new ones one is led.
Each twist can feel like death from endless slashes of a knife
Whilst down others, there are opportunities to begin a new life.
As the solitary bell now strikes its dulcet ring,
Are you walking the path of your own choosing?
© 2015, Danny Kemp. All rights reserved.
About Daniel Kemp
At the age of seventy-six, Daniel Kemp has started his second year of studying the science of Psychology at the Open University. He is a member of The Society of Authors and also a bestselling writer. However, in early September 2025, he was diagnosed with cancer. He is now in palliative care at home, being looked after by his ex-wife. When he was writing his novels, he enjoyed writing stories that appealed to those who liked challenging themselves to solve mysteries that were set out before their eyes, but they couldn't.
His introduction to the world of espionage and mystery happened at an early age when his father was employed by the War Office in Whitehall, London, at the end of WWII. However, it wasn’t until after his father died that he showed any interest in anything other than himself!
On leaving academia he took on many roles in his working life: a London police officer, mini-cab business owner, pub tenant and licensed London taxi driver, but never did he plan to become a writer. Nevertheless, after a road traffic incident left him suffering from PTSD and effectively—out of paid work for four years, he wrote and self-published his first novel —The Desolate Garden.
Within three months of publication, that book was under a paid option to become a $30 million film. The option lasted for six years until distribution became an insurmountable problem for the production company.
All ten of his novels are now published by Next Chapter Publishing Company which has added an edition titled The Heirs And Descendants Collection, which holds all four books of that series, alongside an edition titled The Lies And Consequences Collection which contains all four volumes of that series.
He is the recipient of rave reviews from a prestigious Manhattan publication and described as—the new Graham Green—by a highly placed executive of Waterstones Books, for whom he did a countrywide tour of book signing events. He has also appeared on 'live' television in the UK publicising his first novel.
Less
in the path of our own choosing
no longer blind, deaf, dead nor loosing
we find solace to be company
and some company as solace
for in this life that we are given
if go step 1-2, be driven
all the darkness once alive
fades accordingly, survive
and when we choose to leave the rumble
we indeed breath, live, perceive I must be humble
for another chance is given
to achieve and remain driven
a fate few will ever deal
and for us writers and poets, it becomes thankfully real
Very good, Chika!
Great. I am happy to say I am choosing my path now and it feels empowering.
I’m pleased that you’ve found it, Janet.