Do the challenges of Learning, Loving, and Living sometimes seem insurmountable? Find some inspiration, clarity, and encouragement in We Are Climbers, All.
This unique collection of 30 poems offers practical insights from poet and corporate training consultant Tom Blaisse. (The sample poem below is 1 of 4 offered for preview at http: //TomBlaisse.com/waca.html .) Using traditional and "user-friendly" rhyme and rhythm patterns, Tom helps us understand that life is for learning how to live and love well, and that's easier when we're open to letting our heart and soul grow.
Tom's professional career and his many other talent areas have all focused on his personal Mission: Turning on lights, so people can shine. By combining his exceptional teaching, communication, theatrical, and musical skills, Tom has successfully helped tens of thousands of people of all ages, including business professionals from all industries, theatrical actors and fans, church groups, Boy Scouts, and other community groups.
The second-half of this book contains Tom's literary critique and a personal comment for each poem. These poems were written over a 35-year period, as Tom walked his unique life path, reached many new heights, and gained new perspectives about what makes us learn, love, and live.
Tom approaches the big question, "What is the meaning of life?" with insight and ingenuity. The clever addition of commentaries makes this book unique. "We are family," and our brother Tom leads us with faith through the rocky climb towards joy.
Diana L. Weiss, Poet and Musician
Author of What Counts (Finishing Line Press, 2008)
Tom's poems reflect his ability to cast an insightful gaze upon human growth and education, and focus on developing hearts and souls. With this book, Tom not only "climbs," he flies.
Tom Lipinski, Chair, English and Theatre Arts
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
SHAMUS Award Winner 2001
We Are Climbers, All Sample Poem
TO THE TEACHER
In the midst of indecision
When this world seems split apart,
And the joy of what was once safe
Turns solid in the heart;
In these days of growing wonderment
When confusion rears its head,
And time is twisted, tightly, slightly,
To find so many dead;
In the work that lasts forever
When answers can't be found,
And so many of us turn our heads
With tearful, fearful frowns:
You surpass that gory doubt,
And finger through the mire,
To lighten up so many minds,
And cultivate desire.
(c) 2012 Tom Blaisse
About the Author: Tom Blaisse holds a B.A. in Theatre and Speech from DeSales University in Allentown, PA, and an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Rider University in Trenton, NJ. During his 10-year stint as a Senior Consultant with FranklinCovey Co., Tom facilitated over 1,800 workshops for more than 50,000 people, on the topics of Time Management, Stress Management, and Personal Change. Currently, as President of TFB Consulting (TomBlaisse.com), Tom speaks to thousands of people each year, on various performance-effectiveness topics, helping corporate clients establish and develop dynamic learning organizations. Tom is also a certified Executive Facilitator for several regional and national management consulting firms, and is a member of the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD), and the National Speakers' Association (NSA). Avocationally, Tom is an actor, director, singer, songwriter, poet, and playwright. He has co-authored five musical plays for children, and has also written the music and lyrics for more than a dozen contemporary Christian songs, under the title "Manifest the Glory of God." Tom lives in Harrisburg, PA, with his wife Roberta ("Cookie"). Their empty nest holds many fond memories of raising their three children, Matthew, Michael, and Beth, who, as young adults, are now "climbing their own mountains."
