Do you unconsciously but vainly fight an awakening because the mystical or diabolical dream-state seems more intriguing than consciousness. Perhaps, that zone is the constant world of the abnormal mind. "Sleep No More" focuses on dreams of the insane. How crazy is that? Dan Chapman enjoys challenging minds. "Addiction takes a foothold and collects its next toll when the user begins defending use of the substance. The greater the shame, the more the blame," Chapman suggests to his readers. With "Illusionary Friend" Dan sends a precautionary message to all naïve, curious and foolishly potential addicts who believe that drugs-of-choice are safe enough to avoid addiction. His poetry makes us think about what we do and our choices. "Poetry has always fascinated me with its means and measure of expression," says the author. "To write what I feel in succinct meter and rhyme is a favorite leisure-activity where I dwell in the world-of- words," Dan muses. "Hearts Content" was an especially enjoyable writing- experience for Dan because it challenged his lovely friend's uncertainty about their new relationship. "It must have been a good read for her, too," he adds, "because we are celebrating our seventeenth anniversary of marriage." Certainly, life should be enjoyed, and laughter has its place in Dan's poetry. "How sad that some wretched souls must look forward to death or heaven to escape a hell on earth," Chapman reflects. "Who Are They?" and "Devil's Dance," suggest an irreverent, yet plausible, approach to helplessness by indulging it with humor. In still other verse such as "Hold On..." and "Breaking Hearts," Dan writes like a country-crooner wannabe, "Country song lyrics are poetry about life and love. Singing them lets me laugh at myself !" Previously, Dan Chapman has published a second volume of poetry (Poetic Justice), a novel (Messages from Vallarta) and has been published in several poetry resources. This modified, redone and republished volume, Be Not Forgot': was actually his first effort with poetry (The Book of Daniel:) initially published in 2006. Having retired from education within the juvenile court and community school system for at-risk youth, and from administrating a private, secondary-education program for adults, Dan now pleasantly resides in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico whenever possible. "Whenever not writing in PV," Dan quips, "I live in Suisun City, CA with my wife (Angelina), our dog (Mona) and my faithful, loyal, selfless, considerate, and dependable computer. Think, cry, or laugh, Dan Chapman's poetry will be not forgot' as he imparts some of his impressions and remembrances of life, loves and a little larceny on his readers. Welcome to his world of Novel Ideas, Inc. His life is an open book.
