The Soul of Richard Harris. Harries cries reading a poem about his father Ivan

I am an associate producer of the documentary, The Ghost of Richard Harris, directed by Adrian Sibley. Tapes I made with Richard over a fifteen-year period - many for the biography I have finally written, Richard Harris Raising Hell and Reaching for Heaven, published later this week - voice the 'ghost' and I am interviewed in the film. Sadly one of the most revealing scenes in relation to the hidden soul of Richard Harris, in my opinion, ended up on the cutting room floor. This has not made me happy. So, here is the backstory of that clip and, what was a two-minute film clip, extended to a great degree.

[@ziggersz4899]

Bravo, Joe! I'm thoroughly enjoying all this Richard Harris you're bringing us! I melt to him daily. 🇮🇪💚💋

[@joejackson248]

Melting is good - particularly in winter!

[@ziggersz4899]

@@joejackson248 hahaha!

[@julionietochannel]

Thank you so much for your work, sir… 👌🏼😌

[@JoeElvis2009]

Thanks from a thespian is a delight! Thank you

[@sherylreed3558]

Oh. This gives such insight to the man. Thank you! Ive watched every interview. Trying to find every movie now. He was the black sheep!! Yet, oh how that vein of deep life experience fed his kraft!! The Sportsman..! A movie of torment, to say the least!!

[@JoeElvis2009]

Try to borrow my Harris book from a library!

[@zyxmyk]

you know, Dylan Thomas wrote the famous poem about his father passing that's very famous. But if you look at both these poems and hear them read, Harris's is the better poem. "The tired optic of my sight..." It's a superb piece of work deserving to be remembered. It is truly a masterpiece.

[@JoeElvis2009]

Hey Julie, I am out of the loop, lately. Richard would love what you say. Few talked to him about his poetry, He loved the fact that I did.

[@ziggersz4899]

​​​@@JoeElvis2009 HI, Joe!🙃🇮🇪💚 Great to hear from you! I absolutely adore Richard's poetry and read it or listen to the recording often; sometimes simultaneously. Brilliant, by the way, how he had each son recite the excerpts that coincided with his age at the time he wrote it! What foresight! His poems are incredibly deep, emotional, personal, cerebral and revealing; in as much as he'll allow. He laid bare his soul in his poems and I imagine that's why he felt so near and dear and proud of them. Just makes sense. I have 2 copies and one appears to be signed by Richard Harris himself. No COA, but I feel in my heart, it's Richard's inscription.💞 When I first opened the flap of the book and read the inscription, I shivered; Richard. Anyone inclined to read his poetry is already a step in the right direction and they'll most likely love it. As with anything, if you're willing to look closely and have an interest, you'll find the best and truest sense of that particular topic. Also, his reciting of Jonathan Livingston Seagull is hugely inspiring, soothing and hopeful. I listen to him a lot and just enjoy him so much. He recites it with such great emotional tenderness, I got teary-eyed, shaken, the first time I heard it. Very powerful right to my heart. There, I believe I got my point across. 😉🙃😘 Thank you so much, Joe, for sharing all your wealth of knowledge with us. I'm forever grateful and a little envious. 🙃 What I'd have given to meet Richard Harris! I'd probably pass out with ecstasy. ❤