A new anthology by Sweetycat Press is now available, and I am thrilled that my poem ‘Queen Mary’s Rose Garden’ has been included. Around the World: Landscapes & Cityscapes is available on Amazon and Kindle.
From mountaintops to sea resorts, from highrise buildings to subways, across continents, on islands, in large cities, and at small and large landmarks, 200 contemporary poets from around the globe take you on their private journeys in this one-of-a-kind collection of poetry that will captivate you from cover to cover.
My first open mic since the pandemic! Video Still by Garry Cook
Yesterday I went to see the punk poet Laura Taylor at Market Street Social, in Preston. She performed some of her stunning work, including pieces from her new book “Speaking In Tongues.” I particularly enjoyed the more nuanced poems, such as “Senescence” and one about her childhood. There was an open mic before and after her performance, so I read my poem Necromancy. Thanks to Laura Taylor for giving poets a chance to share their work, and thanks to organiser, Garry Cook.
Necromancy
You send him urgent texts but he no longer tolerates your soup, solicitude and homilies on fatherhood; the man you wanted him to be is gone, another fills his shoes.
As above, so below - reflect on this then wield your will; harness the stars and your inner hell, from its event horizon.
One night when you're in bed he'll rock up at your door with a girl half his age a wired grin and a lump of hash he swears is an eighth, asking for some extra cash.
He's left the engine running and distorted bass is waking half the street: death has reworked your beloved. Too late you recall the warning, not to bring him back.
First published by Outlaw Poetry and in Wish (Maytree Press).
Here is a new recording of a poem that first appeared in OWP Issue 57. It is called ‘Crows’ and in my collection ‘Wish’ (Maytree Press 2019). It will also be published in the forthcoming Places Of Poetry anthology. Hope you enjoy it, all feedback welcome!
Thanks to editors Christopher James and James Middleton, of The Utopia Project – a smart new zine with an inspiring mission; “.. publishing work that uses its creative voice to speak to the political realities that we face, as individuals and in our communities, and to put forward a positive vision of what lies ahead.” This issue explores concepts of time.
Follow the link for more information on the inaugural issue: Current Issue
Thanks to Jonathan Humble and The Blue Nib, for this thoughtful and perceptive review of my debut poetry collection Wish. If you haven’t had a chance to grab a copy yet, I do still have a couple left. You can order Wish from Waterstones, Amazon, WHSmith, Maytree Press, or direct from myself, for £7.00 plus postage.
The Vigil is a music collaboration with Rob Burnley, who also created the film in Unreal Engine. Rob is a composer and sound designer working in the film and computer game industry and welcomes new collaborative projects – RobBurnley.com
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