Innocence and Becoming

Innocence and Becoming is a collection that moves between these two states, often within a single poem. It does not seek to separate youth from age, certainty from doubt, or love from absence. Instead, it explores how they coexist-how the past remains present, how searching continues even after wisdom has settled, how time softens and obscures, yet never fully erases.

Brian Padjen is a freelance writer and poet who has published ten books in the past three years, writing across various genres to explore the existential challenges of human existence. His poetry, inspired by historical events and personal observations, has appeared in small press journals over the years. Beyond writing, Brian leads an informal book club, fostering thoughtful discussions and a shared love of literature. With master's degrees in English Literature and Clinical Psychology, he combines psychological insight with literary artistry, captivating readers and sparking introspection.