Finding the Light

I've always said that it's not the destination, but the journey that counts...

I have always been interested in poetry so when I was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2002, I turned to poetry to make sense of what was happening. In this anthology of my work I've chosen a mixture of themes, some very sad, but there are light-hearted ones too. I've tried to urge people to reflect on the ways in which they judge others; I want my readers to appreciate that you can never tell what an individual is truly like just by looking at them. See the person, the one inside, not the superficial exterior.

In my writing, I encourage people to live life to the full. Accomplish as much as you can! Enjoy life, for the durability of the human spirit and the love that it engenders is the most wonderful feeling of all.

The years which have passed since I was diagnosed with Parkinson's have been an interesting journey: most of it has been a surprise, but I have learned more in these years than in the whole of my life before diagnosis.

Bobbie Coelho was born near Norwich and now lives in Hampshire with her husband and two stepsons. She has always enjoyed poetry, but after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2002, she was particularly compelled to write as a way of putting things into perspective. Bobbie is a great fan of Forces Poetry (flowforall.org), and has had work published in two of their anthologies, Voices of the Poppies and Poems of the Poppies.

"My wish is that when people read this book, it will make them think a little more and reflect on their journey."
Bobbie Coelho, Autumn 2010

"Finding the Light invites us to travel with Bobbie Coelho as, to quote from one of her poems, 'we dance to the music of life'. It is a roller coaster of a voyage, running the gamut of emotions. Her lovely poem 'Island Girl' could only have been written by a woman who has suffered a great deal and overcome much, and many of her other poems are equally moving. But that is not to discount the eclectic range of her subjects – war, family (especially children), nature and more. Bobby's love of her garden (who could fail to be amused by the 'blowsy tart' of a Morning Glory?!) and of birds – herons, swans and Henry the canary especially – make a lasting impression. I have no idea how many of the poems that seared into my consciousness were autobiographical but many I believe must be the result of observation and compassion. She possesses a rare ability enlighten us on her own journey toward the light."
– Sally Gardner — Author of Lilian's Story

"Through her words, Bobbie searches and explores the emotions and vagaries of life and brings them, to us, the reader to share. Poems that span birth to the passing on of life, with double meanings and parallels, there is depth in many of the pieces, whilst others play it straight down the line… Bobbie writes from her heart, none more so than the poem 'White Flowers' with the innocence of children slighted by war; a poem that will find a place in the reader's heart too. Like the seasons of life, Bobbie relates beautifully the seasons of nature, a great love of hers, and this comes through strongly and with fondness, as in the poem 'Swan Flotilla' – where the author ponders 'what are they thinking?' A question I have often asked myself!

Do not be afraid, there is humour in its pages too! For what would life be like without it? Many women will relate to 'Wash Day Greens' and for the boys 'Football Commentators will raise a smile! Christmas, when all of the passing year is celebrated and emotions come to the fore, is sprinkled through the book and needs no apologies for being there, for Bobbie captures this often turbulent time with pure honesty. Honesty sums up 'Finding the Light' beautifully, for its author could be nothing else."
– Jan — Author of Words in Imagination and On Calico Wings

"I have known Bobbie for many years and she has always been such a compassionate and thoughtful woman. However, after the initial shock when she was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, she focused her thoughts on others who were perhaps experiencing the same reactions as her. Here is a problem, as much social as medical, to those of us who don't understand. Bobbie, through her poetry, has given us a valuable insight into the unique thoughts and observations of fellow sufferers, trying to get us to understand that the mind is as sharp as ever only the body is losing its grip. They are not invisible.

I particularly like:
A Christmas Story - very topical and full of hope.
Remember This - the feeling of dark desperation is palpable but it won't stop people repeating their mistakes.
The Woman in the Picture - seems to cry from the heart. Her body is not responding but she must not be written off as lost.
Twilight Zone - how alone you feel when you don't fit in, as you think.
These are but four of these lovely poems and there are many more to enjoy and make you think.

Bobbie has done so well to make us all question our reactions to situations out of our comfort zone and to think how we can better help those, spiritually and physically, who perhaps we've ignored through our own inadequacies, not theirs. Well done Bobbie - a truly enjoyable and inspirational experience."
— Shirley Ritchie, December 2010

"This a substantial body of work. Personal, touching yet accessible and meaningful to all. Some personal favourites; Remember this, Parting, Island girl, Wash day greens and If only - which I will probably have engraved on my tombstone unless I take heed of the wise words! A recommended read."
– Amazon Reviews, 2012

"Finding the Light is an inspiring book. Bobbie is to be congratulated on her ability to help others see 'the light'
when it is hard to find in times of trial and stress as well as the beauty in the warmth of people and in Nature."
– Grace Coelho

"Bobbie Coelho writes about the emotive subjects of war and those left behind, loss and death with a simple yet powerful insight; leaving you staring at the page with a lump in your throat. Then she changes tact and gives reasons to carry on and see the sunlight. She asks us to see the good in people and to see past the skin and bones to the person within.

My favourite poem of the entire collection is The Woman In The Picture on page 12 – a piece which actually made me a bit tearful.

There is humour, courage, respect, fortitude and love to be found in Bobbie’s poetry. A collection with an unusual style of poem but none the less powerful and thought provoking for it."
– A Woman's Wisdom