I'm more than half way through, "To The Grave," and I've been working on the conclusion of the four book series.

There's no real spoiler to the story in here, it just contains the core message; the reason for writing the series, and the crux of my personal message to whatever parts of humanity actually want to listen to it.

Conclusion

Nina Simone - "An artists duty as far as I'm concerned, is to reflect the times. I think that is true of painters, sculptors, poets, musicians; as far as I'm concerned it's their choice, but I choose to reflect the times and the situations in which I find myself. That, to me, is my duty. And at this crucial time in our lives, when everything is so desperate, when every day is a matter of survival, I don't think you can help but be involved. Young people, black and white know this, that's why they're so involved in politics. We will shape and mould this country; I will not be moulded and shaped at all, any more. So I don't think you have a choice, how can you be an artist and not reflect the times? That, to me, is the definition of an artist."

In 1987 the film, "Personal Services," was released which opened a crack in the door to the BDSM discussion. It was also a deeper film in a number of aspects, one of which included transsexuality and the response of society at the time. It was followed by others which included, “The Notorious Bettie Page,” “Preaching To The Perverted,” the German classic, “24/7 The Passion Of Life,” and others. That is why I thought, back in 2005, that there would be an audience for, “The Companion,” when we wrote the film script. For some reason, however, it was not to be and I had to convert it to a book and start this series, for it to have any platform at all.

This is a crucial time for BDSM and its position in our society. It is caught in the midst of much political wrangling on subjects like censorship, personal freedoms and the fight between matriarchy and patriarchy. The scene's side of the argument has so far been represented by popular fiction works and while some have done the cause some good, others have resulted in confusion.

Submission and dominance are as much a natural trait as being extrovert or introvert. We are all, “on the spectrum,” as they say; just that some are more extreme than others. We are also capable of change over time, as well as jumping within that spectrum at a moments notice. It has been a core part of our comedy and drama for generations; the wife who is under the thumb; the husband who wouldn't say boo to a goose, etc.

When we're in the presence of someone who we're in awe of, then we tend towards being submissive to them; they want a glass of water, you want to make it happen for them. When around someone we don't like and are openly hostile to them, we dominate them, specifically so that they can't gain any power over us.

It therefore isn't a large leap of faith to understand how these natural emotions figure, in the very human aspect of someone who is predisposed to taking life's broken souls under their wing and give them a better life. They have to dominate to prevent wrong turns. If the broken soul is then open to trusting and allowing the other one to guide them … then the magic happens, yin meets yang and the partnership is set; at least for a time.

Me? I am relatively outside the scene now. I spoke at my Master's funeral some years ago. His guidance gave me a new life, and I changed and grew as a person. There isn't that much to tell, really; no real drama to report and my own time in the scene is now over.

It is no surprise that a casual look at the few available statistics puts the number of people involved in the scene at the low millions in the UK. The sex industry itself should be ample proof that despite the rage of officialdom, they are battling Mother Nature; a fight they can never win despite many, many long years of trying. Better to understand and account for these emotions, than to try and drive everything under ground again; out of sight like it was in the twentieth century. But then, when have politicians ever done the sensible thing?! They have, in recent times, always done the things which they think will win them votes.

So there you have it. BDSM is far more than whips and chains. It is a solid part of our growing personalities. When the play session is over, and the toys are put back in their box … life still has to be lived, and BDSM continues to be a part of that life ... because it is a part of us.

I think one of the greatest lies that has entrapped the human race, is that all sexual encounters have to end in orgasm. I've personally found that to be false. There is a good deal of interpersonal warmth and mutual enjoyment that is so very comforting and rewarding; like walking the sea front with your lover, hand in hand, trying to eat the ice cream before it melts all over your hand. I believe that for many of us, we've forgotten that moments of togetherness like these can be so affirming and bonding.

It has taken me more than two decades of my life to conclude what you have read within these pages. I hope it helps someone.

(Nina Simone's quote on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99V0mMNf5fo )