Solopress has had the honour of printing The Way That Life Goes On, a new collection of poetry by 102-year-old RAF veteran Eddie Habberley.
The collection spans a century of reflection, featuring 36 poems across 60 pages arranged into five themes: Pilot, Love, Loss, Nature and Between the Lines. Written over many years, the poems explore Eddie’s experiences in war and peacetime, his lifelong love for his late wife Peggy, and his fascination with flight, philosophy and the natural world.
“I served in the Royal Air Force as a fighter pilot flying Spitfire aircraft. I went to America to train for my 'Wings'. My service journeys took me to Egypt, India, Burma and finally to Hong Kong.”
The recollection of a chance encounter with a fellow serviceman inspired Eddie to start writing poetry after the war. Sadly, Eddie’s comrade did not survive the war, but the spark of inspiration he ignited has lived with Eddie ever since. The first section of the book, Pilot, captures the exhilaration and peril of flying, while later poems trace love, loss and the quiet moments that give life meaning.
A connection to aviation continued throughout Eddie’s life. In 2022, aged 99, he took the controls of a Spitfire once again during a commemorative flight from Biggin Hill, almost eight decades after his wartime service.
The Way That Life Goes On has been produced by Solopress as a 60-page, square-format Perfect Bound book with a matt laminated cover, giving this thoughtful and deeply personal work a fitting presentation.
Eddie had this to say about the publication of his poetry:
“It is a great experience for me to get my work published, something I never expected. I am excited to see the first book.”
This collection stands as both a creative milestone and a testament to the resilience and optimism that have defined his remarkable life. Copies of the book are available here.
