Maneuver Damage
Selected Works of J. Daniel Billings
by
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As we travel through life, isn’t it all about those obstacles we’re confronted with, and how we respond to them accordingly? With all the curve balls that life throws at us, we can usually count on at least one of three outcomes… - I really blew that one, didn’t I…? - screwed up another one…, again… - barely made it that time… …haven’t we all been there? But I think the importance lies in the ‘respond accordingly’ part. Back when I served in the military, we’d occasionally take off on field maneuvers. Especially during overseas assignments, those field maneuvers inevitably resulted in some level of what we called ‘maneuver damage.’ It still goes on today…, and those of you who’ve been there know what I’m talking about…, someone always has to pay for that unintentional damage Well…, I don’t think life is so much different. Whether intentional or unintentional, events that occur in our lives have to be compensated; some in this life, some in the afterlife…, and some in both. Maneuver Damage is a collection of verse that was prompted by various forces in my own life, but it’s all about the mistakes, misjudgment, misdeeds, and just plain old fashioned sin that we all leave in our wake. It’s also about how we react, recover, and hopefully repent from all that negativity. Looked deep to soulful depths but never treasure to be found; ‘twas lost with entire cargo, when me ship…, was run aground… How often didst I plea me case a’fore the Harbor Master; but never once to take the blame, for me own…, gross disaster… If I’d grounded all me faith ‘stead of worldly advice taken; things may have ended differently, me distressed soul…, at last…, to waken…
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About the Book
From ‘One Who Loves’ through ‘The Master’s Son’, Maneuver Damage imparts a spiritual wisdom for today through depiction of story and verse. j. daniel Billings’s variety of style, in addition to the wit, humor, and heartfelt emotion he instills into each unsuspecting verse, is more than a breath of fresh air. He sometimes takes it upon himself to express deep opinion and forbidden feelings, subjects other authors tend to shy away from. Maneuver Damage is far different from conventional books of poetry, comprised of difficult and sometimes hard-to-understand verses. Through a fresh concept of facing page notes, selections are preceded by clear, concise, and relevant summaries written to aid the reader in achieving a bonded point of reference. As with all literary works, J. Daniel has afforded himself a level of artistic propriety, but not so much as to exceed the rational bounds of each verse’s intent in “Maneuver Damage.
About the Author
In his formative years, j. daniel Billings grew up in Central California influenced by the likes of the rockabilly style of music that cultivated the region; Merle and Buck were household names. Later, having relocated to Southern California, it was all about the dominance of rock and roll. Yet another influence that remained a constant throughout the ups and downs of life was that of his Christian faith. After a lengthy stint in the military, J. Daniel settled into private industry and finally to government service. Having written for several years, he was urged and finally felt compelled to publish selected works from his private collection. Nearing a welcome retirement, j. daniel Billings lives in North Alabama with his wife, Gemey.