Will You Be My Friend?

by James Kavanaugh

A collection of modern poems reflecting the writer's sensitivity to the complex emotions of friendship and love

Genres: Poetry, Fiction

108 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1971

About the author

James Kavanaugh was ordained and actively ministered for ten years as a Catholic Priest before attending Catholic University in Washington D.C. Working on his second doctoral degree, he wrote an article for the Saturday Evening Post, entitled, "I am a Priest, and I want to marry." The article questioned the practice of celibacy among priests. The year was 1967, the height of the sexual revolution. Although it was written under a pseudonym and even his closest friends and family were not aware of the author, it was received with such commotion and outrage, the secret would not be kept for long. Jim then exploded onto the American scene with A Modern Priest Looks At His Outdated Church. The New York Times called it "a personal cry of anguish that goes to the heart of the troubles plaguing the Catholic Church." Soon Simon and Schuster came calling with a book deal.

Though a gifted scholar, with degrees in psychology and religious philosophy, James took a leave of absence from the priesthood, packed his VW bug and headed for California to write books. Jim surrendered his priestly collar and doctoral robes to become a gentle revolutionary.

Forty years ago in a decrepit New York residence hotel, Kavanaugh rejected lucrative offers to write what publishers wanted. "Feasting", he laughs, "on bagels, peanut butter, and cheese whiz", he wrote his first poetry book, There Are Men Too Gentle To Live Among Wolves. The book was turned down by a dozen publishers, only to sell over a million copies.

Wayne Dyer captures his power:

"James Kavanaugh is America's poet laureate. His words and ideas touch my soul. I can think of no living person who can put into words what we have all felt so deeply in our inner selves."

A dozen poetry books followed, as well as powerful novels, prose allegory and his best-selling Search, a guide for personal joy and freedom. The rebel priest became the people's poet, singing songs of human struggle, of hope and laughter, of healing that comes from within. James Kavanaugh possesses a charisma that excites audiences with passion and humor. He loves wandering, tennis and trout fishing, the cities and wilderness, people and solitude.

Reviews

[Katlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a book I'd normally pick up, but the poems have an innocence that's actually rather sweet.

[Dora · Rating 4 out of 5]

gosh. it’s just so

yeah.

[Elle Belle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometime this month, I finished reading another book of poetry - specifically this one by James Kavanaugh. I found it in the not-well-lit, dusty-cobweb corner of the college library - you know the part of the library you've always thought would be a great place to make out in? (just kidding - I'm exaggerating - there weren't any cobwebs). Anyways, it was good poetry written in the 60s or 70s, but without the acid trip feel that makes 60s and 70s poetry feel like great world changing hippie rock n roll stripped of distraction (if you ever come across this type of poetry - please recommend it). This was more down to earth, quiet, contemplating type of HUMAN poetry which means: Completely lacking in esoterics in a good way.

[Narkitsa Orada · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's a guilelessness and directness to Kavanaugh's poems that's refreshing. In particular, he has a gift for expressing the loneliness and sterility that develops in our lives when we focus too much on security. I feel that he truly loves and empathizes with all of the ordinary people who hide a core of emptiness and fear beneath the facade of a respectable life.

On the other hand, at other times his themes were a little bit too guileless, so much so that they felt childish and trite: Ecological destruction sure is bad, isn't it? Wouldn't it be nice if shy, sensitive boys were allowed to be themselves? Wouldn't it be nice if we could escape from boring, mundane life and be free?

I'm not sorry I read it, but I don't think I'll reread often.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this slim 1971 hardcover at a Little Free Library on International Book Lovers Day. I photographed some poems "I Lost You at the Martinis" among them. James Kavanaugh was a former Catholic priest who came to fame in 1967 with his controversial bestseller, A Modern Priest Looks at His Outdated Church. He later wrote bestselling books of poetry and other works and died in December, 2009 at the age of 81. I may read this mini-treasure all the way through when the sunlight isn't fading to moonlight, but for now I have some photographed poems.

[Bill Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have an old copy of this book, and like some things old, it is a treasure. The first poem is wonderful, as is the last, and so many in between. Have had a few tears flow upon reading a couple of particular poems that are so easy to relate to. Kavanaugh writes with a modern style, and it is apparent that he writes from his own experiences. It is surprising that I have not heard his name in the poet writing community. His works, especially this book, are well-worth reading.

[Joanna’s Reading Rainbow · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a little book of reflective poems. My favorites are: “Someone might see us,” “Will you be my friend (part 2),” “She’s too prosy for me,” “The schizophrenic,” “Mrs. Fixer,” “I knew this kid,” “Revolution,” and “The family album.” Also one of my favorite lines is the last line of the poem, “A fleeting vision,” which reads “...death is only life when merged with love!”

[Hali M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful and touching.

[Piers Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

His poems have a melancholy edge to them. They are longing, and lovely, and sweet.
The few that are relatable, are overly so.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this in a lending library where I dropped a book for another to read. It is a sweet book of poems that focuses on one person's musings on love and relationships.

[John Steel · Rating 5 out of 5]

From tears to laughter it helped me begin my recovery

[Nasha]

Reflective of his era and location (60s US); good from that point But is it enough for intellectual rebels just to question status quos or their message must go beyond their epoch antagonism? I did not see sth novel here

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good poems, I liked them.

[Aranya Iyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A peaceful and soothing read.