David E. Navarro – Exploring Spirituality and Humanity Through Words
Navarro’s writing is deeply influenced by his varied life experiences, from Chicago’s streets to Indiana’s woods.
David E. Navarro is a literary virtuoso whose life journey has been as varied and profound as his writing. From the bustling streets of Chicago to the tranquil woods of Indiana, and from the disciplined environment of the United States Air Force to the contemplative practice of Zen haiku, Navarro’s experiences have deeply influenced his work. As an author, poet, essayist, editor, and biblical research minister, he weaves a rich tapestry of themes that explore nature, spirituality, and the human condition. His profound understanding of linguistic nuances and cultural expressions allows him to craft poetry that resonates with a wide range of audiences.
Navarro’s literary contributions are as diverse as his life experiences. His haiku collection, A Tree Frog’s Eyes, exemplifies his ability to blend Eastern and Western philosophies, encouraging readers to find harmony with nature and each other. His work in the Bukowski Erasure Poetry Anthology showcases his skill in transforming raw, streetwise prose into pieces that delve into the spiritual and philosophical dimensions of life. With a career spanning decades, Navarro’s writing continues to inspire and challenge readers, making him a cherished voice in contemporary literature.
Navarro’s diverse life experiences have significantly influenced his writing, particularly in his haiku collection A Tree Frog’s Eyes. Reflecting on his journey, he shares, “I have been amazed at the opportunities I have had to experience such diversity in life, from hard labor and grunt work to executive management in high business realms. This has allowed me to experience all people at all levels of life from low-income subcultures to the corporate elite.” His ability to integrate himself into various lifestyles has informed his writing, allowing him to create haiku that express worldviews from beggars to high society, uniting them in the natural world.
His strong background in linguistic analysis and multilingual poetry further shapes his approach to writing. Navarro explains, “I was intrigued at a young age that different peoples of different cultures and languages had different ways of expressing themselves and thinking about the world because of the way their language taught their minds to perceive.” This understanding enables him to compose phrases that stir the English-speaking mind in unique ways, enriching his poetry with diverse cultural perspectives.
Influenced by ancient Chinese poetry and the great Japanese haiku masters, Navarro’s haiku style merges Eastern and Western philosophies. He emphasizes the importance of honoring nature and recognizing our place within it, urging Western readers to embrace a more respectful relationship with the natural world.
Navarro’s contributions to the Bukowski Erasure Poetry Anthology involve creating erasure poems based on Charles Bukowski’s writings. He describes his process as an exploration of the philosophical and spiritual dimensions of street life, aiming to reveal the hidden spiritual nature of Bukowski’s raw, streetwise prose.
With 38 years of ministry experience and a degree in Theology with a focus on biblical languages, Navarro’s spiritual and theological studies intersect with his poetic endeavors. He describes himself as a spiritual and philosophical thinker, seeking truth and higher understanding in life. His poetry often carries spiritual and philosophical undertones, reflecting his quest for deeper meaning beyond religious conventions.
Balancing the precision required in technical writing with the creative freedom of poetry, Navarro draws on his extensive experience as a technical writer, editor, and medical editor. He notes, “One of the dichotomies of my life is that I can be so logical and analytical and yet incredibly creative.” This unique combination of skills allows him to delve deeply into the minds of his characters and creatively portray their colorful lives and words.
David E. Navarro’s literary journey is a testament to the power of diverse experiences in shaping a writer’s voice. His work continues to inspire readers to explore the depths of human experience, making him a vital and cherished presence in contemporary literature.
