What they say......
There is a man in Moncton, New Brunswick who comes from such humble beginnings, who has lived his life in an honourable way, who continues to create, no matter the cost to his personal comfort and well-being while surrounded by that ugly and envious trio: destruction, condescension and ignorance. They fear beauty. They cower before original thought. They shudder at anything more than mediocrity. This man has quietly carved a trail of his own through this wilderness called life and has maintained his integrity, his dignity, while doing so. He walks in solitude and has tried not to leave too deep a footprint behind, understanding that our impact upon the face of earth is a destructive force. If someone throws bricks at his garden, he continues to plant seeds, to gather those blooms he's inspired and nurtures them with wisdom, tenderness and innocence.
I first encountered him and his good works in early 2005 - he has provided me with constant support and inspiration ever since. He makes me both humble and proud in my desire to wield a pen, to cover the blankness with thoughts of a broader nature, with sweeter songs of the spirit, to light a candle and hold it aloft in the darkness so that others will not stumble along the path. We both know that what we do in those quiet moments when the world is asleep is a necessary thing, beneficial to everyone, even those who may not yet be aware of such gentleness - that our actions are not obligations, but gifts we were given that we must share. An artist will only ever come to you with open hands - they always have and always will approach you without demands, without disrespect. All they ask is that you listen to the rhythms of your own heart, to hear its delightful resonance, to realize that you are far more than only flesh and blood. There is a holiness within us all, a knowing that leads us to sacred things.
This is a man who has achieved world-wide recognition in the literary realm from numerous sources for many years, yet he walks on the streets of his own hometown, unrecognized and unknown. While there should be banquets and parades being held in his honour, there is only the constant companionship of silence.
His name is Richard Doiron. He comes from a famous boxing family - a fine, strong lineage. He spreads layers of peace wherever and whenever he can and has done so since he was old enough to grasp its significance. He is the author of the famous Acadian song, “Mon Acadie”. He has written over 30,000 poems. He has written several novels and several biographies. He has been lauded in unseen corners of the world, but not in his own hometown. Again, I ask why? There is no answer. It is unfathomable to me, this loud silence.
You should really get to know him while you still can - that is, if you place more value on soulfulness, on humanity, on the truest and most honest wealth of spirit. This particular artist always been among you. God willing, he will be for a long time to come. Come, let me introduce you.
- Wanda Lea Brayton, poet and librarian
Daniel Gibbs
Poet,
New Orleans, USA
"Richard Doiron has mastered the English language. His poetry is a superior form of expression. Such is the beauty of his mind."
Wanda Lea Brayton
Poet, Oklahoma USA
Richard Doiron is a wonderfully prolific poet. His writing is profound. He is a compassionate man, an intellectual human and a most highly gifted writer. He is also a friend and it is my honour to claim him as such."
Ann Taylor
Poet-Artist.
Morristown, Tenn. USA
"It has been my privilege to partake of Richard Doiron’s work for some seven years now. The depth, sincerity, energy and wisdom in his writing evokes the poetry of the soul the passion never ending!"
"Poet and philosopher Richard Doiron has created a legacy in the form of his abundant works which touch and soothe the spirit of the reader. His writings express important messages about life, love and humanity in an uncomplicated yet eloquent manner. His inspirational and thought provoking poetry reminds the reader of master and mystic poets of long ago. His poetry is contemporary, energetic and possesses the enlightenment of a spirit that has awareness beyond everyday experiences. His sonnets impress a splendor in their language that rise to heights of excellence rarely matched today."
Marianne Zirkle
Poet and Women’s Advocate
Pleasant Prairie, WI USA