The parallel story of René and Chris began as two young men finding friendship in the early 1960s as regular soldiers in Maresfield, Sussex. From very different backgrounds, interests and subsequent civilian careers they have kept in touch across countries and continents for over 50 years.
It became apparent that, independently, both had an interest in and wrote poetry for enjoyment. This flourished and 20 years ago they first mooted the idea of producing a book of their poems together but put it on hold.
Fast forward to 2021, now friends for fifty-six years, they renewed their efforts and produced the book, Parallels, in 11 sections of poetry.
The parallel poems inside each section are themed, and reflect life and death, family, feelings, journeys and crises. They were inspired in the several countries which separated them but which failed to dull their friendship.