"The poems of T. D. Richards are compelling, poignant and thought provoking. Whether he is writing about his beloved cottonwoods, tasty Indiana tomatoes, or a blessed breeze that travels all the way from the Pacific to offer relief from Hoosier humidity, he treats words with care and a generous helping of sacred respect. No matter his subject- spirituality, hope and humor are usually present, or hovering just at the edge of the page."
John Bowman, author of This Could be the House I Die In
"T. D. Richards writes what he knows-whether it's an astute observation of the quirks and subtleties of nature, or a philosophical look at life and its ever-changing stages. With humor and intelligence, he shares his take on his world; sometimes bridging generations, and other times being radically in-the-moment. A wonderful compilation of poetry."
Rita Spalding, visual artist and creator of The Poetry Series
In this convincing, bittersweet collection of poems entitled This Side and That, T. D. Richards introduces you to characters normally hidden: a Cottonwood grove that embraces a willow tree, but can't help it stop crying; a Kilroy figure on a machine shop window that bids you goodnight; Aristotle drinking mead and reading poetry; and a cool breeze on a super-hot day that refreshes your body and sparks your imagination.
Starting with a wonderfully crafted paradoxical choice that we all face the moment we wake in the morning, the journey takes us into the author's backyard and unforgettable stories from childhood and current relationships. Enter the surprising world of connections that the author shares with you. You will find that reading his poems is like trying to eat just one potato chip-be prepared to devour the whole bag.
T. D. Richards is a freelance writer and poet. Born into a family of teachers, he has long been a caretaker of language, learning early that words not only mean something, they are something. His career has followed a path that enriched his understanding of "the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune."
Richards has held several professional positions, including a warden in a state prison, a university professor, and a pastor of an inner-city congregation. He has aspired to celebrate the differences and similarities of people from all walks of life, and connects with the forces that exert power in their life decisions. Richards has turned to poetry to help record the privileges afforded him for a lifetime of observation, which now includes his backyard.
In 2003, he was awarded Indiana's highest civilian honor: Sagamore of the Wabash. He lives with his wife, Carol, and their dog, Morgan, in central Indiana.