B.P. Shields
B.P. Shields is a poet and a novelist. His novels re-tell famous stories from the Far East, and his poetry is varied and award winning.
Since visiting China over a decade ago, B.P. Shields has been fascinated by China and its culture. Through his writing, he brings to life some significant moments from China’s rich history, such as the Fall of the Han Empire or the Battle of Red Cliffs, and also an emperor’s love for reputedly one of the most beautiful Chinese women ever.
His poetry ranges from the light-hearted to the philosophical, with something for everyone. The titles alone of some of his most recent poems should give you an idea of how eclectic his style is: Fish and Chips, Unlucky for Some, Cleopatra, Song of the Senses and Full Moon.
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A Recent Poem
Helen of Troy
Beauty – your greatest possession,
Yet it never belonged to you,
Unwanted daughter of Nemesis.
Born in a frenzy of white wings,
For the princes of the world
Your lovely face was auctioned
In a bloodless lottery.
First a prize for a Spartan king,
Then a gift from Aphrodite
To a flattering chancer
Who made off with all your husband’s
Precious treasures, including you.
As you stand on the crumbling walls
Of Troy, the screams of dying men
And raped women in your ears,
Has the blood of Achilles and Hector
And the red tide of countless dead
Drowned your soul with guilt or grief?
Or do you sift them through your fingers
Like sand from a broken hour glass?
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