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Born in 1941 in the small town of Roseburg, Oregon, Swede Hastings' life has been a rollercoaster ride, and his poetry is a testament to that journey. His folks, John and Viola, were the adventurous sort, always on the hunt for work and following the seasons across the western U.S. Eventually, they put down roots back in Roseburg, trading their wandering ways for a quaint little farm.
In 1958, Swede decided to join the US Navy. But the very next year, Roseburg was hit by the "Roseburg Blast," a massive explosion that shook the town to its core. At just 18, he found himself rushing home on emergency leave to support his family. During this tumultuous time, a hunting accident claimed the life of his 15-year-old brother. Swede was left shattered, but he found it impossible to talk about the tragedy. He discovered one way to face the matter, thus he wrote his first poem, 'Creeping Shadows.' He also realized that keeping busy was the way to deal with his grief and writing became his only way to sail through life's storms. Much like 'Creeping Shadows, ' writing was his personal way of tackling emotions, to express the words he could not and would never otherwise express.
Swede has always had a soft spot for kids, especially his own, and he'd often whip up simple poetic tales for them. He also reflected on the many good friends and most wonderful people he had the pleasure of crossing paths with in life, believing that God had brought them together. He'd weave many of them into his poetry.
His poetry is also a love letter to nature, celebrating the great outdoors and all its wonders. He believed that through words, he could capture just a slice of the beauty of landscapes, seasons, and wildlife.
With a strong faith in the Lord guiding him, Swede holds the belief that every thought has its moment, and we all have our own ways of expressing ourselves. He's ever the optimist, sure that the best is still on the horizon, thanks to his unwavering faith.
