[float=left]
[/float]Dear Splashers, this week, in the SplashLight is
Richard Cawley aka
Abdur Rahman. He hangs around in the Spiritual Poetry forum, and posts some very memorable poems there. A thoughtful, private person, Richard tries to keep his inner peace and mind space intact through poetry and reflection.
Soft Words: What brought you to SplashHall?
Abdur Rahman: I was looking for a forum to share my poetry in, and also to read and benefit from others.
Soft Words: What keeps you here?
Abdur Rahman: The poetry and the conversations that follow on.
Soft Words: Which are your favorite forum(s)?
Abdur Rahman: Well, I only contribute to the spirituality forum. Basically, this is because I don't feel competent enough to write other types of poetry. Also, this is where my own interest lie.
Soft Words: Who are your favorite Splashers?
Abdur Rahman: Kay writes very beautiful poetry, as does Lucy Luu. But, on the whole, everyone in the spirituality forum is a talented, worthy writer
Soft Words: When did you start writing?
Abdur Rahman: I used to write poetry a LONG time ago (during the early 90s) but stopped for one reason and another. I've only been writing now since last May, so about a year.
Soft Words: What do you think are the strongest influences on your writing?
Abdur Rahman: Humanity, the natural world, life and its experiences. In concrete terms, my faith (Islam) and my strong interest in spirituality (Sufism primarily). In terms of writers, Jalaluddin Rumi, and other Sufi poets. Basically, anything that reveals God's Love.
Soft Words: What other things grab your attention besides words?
Abdur Rahman: My wife and children! Putting words into practice.
Soft Words: Would you please explain your choice of username?
Abdur Rahman: My user name is Abdur Rahman. Although it's not my 'real' name, it's the name I chose when I adopted Islam some years ago. It means 'servant of the Most Merciful' (meaning God) and reflects my aspiration to become such.
Soft Words: What one thing about yourself do you like most?
Abdur Rahman: My enthusiasm. I have great enthusiasm for life, and exploring its meanings and purpose.
Soft Words: What are your poetic ambitions like?
Abdur Rahman: Just to keep writing. My poetry is really about conversation. I converse with my (inner) Self, God, friends and family and the rest of the world. I'd like to publish some poetry in the future (although my working life doesn't currently leave much time for such pursuits).
Soft Words: Any suggestions you might have for Rg to improve on your Splashing
experience?
Abdur Rahman: Can't think of anything off hand.
Soft Words: Anything special you'd like to say to everyone here?
Abdur Rahman: Well, I'm not feeling inspired at present (it was a late night last night)! However, just really to encourage others to keep writing and posting. Keep up the good work I suppose
