Welcome back to The Book Bag. I hope you’ve had a poetic week.
Does anybody else feel the weeks are getting busier? Work is at its peak currently and I’m loving overcoming the challenges it’s presenting. Unfortunately, because the of the weather I haven’t been able to get to the allotment, however I have been able to relax to some incredible jazz and soul and the playlist further down the page, I even dabbled with my sax a little. Newcastle were unlucky not to get a point from the Barcelona game but it was Barcelona. Poetry-wise I’ve drafted some pieces, done some editing, started a submission piece and decided to host an open mic. More details on the open mic coming soon.
On top of that, I’ve been reading;
This Wilderness & Other Concerns
- Poet: Martin Kennedy Yates
- Press: Broken Spine Arts
Martin Kennedy Yates blew my mind at an open mic the first time I heard his reading of a Scousenlish poem, I became a big fan immediately. That was a while ago and I’ve kept up with his writing ever since. When he was announced as the winner of Broken Spine Art’s collection contest I was on tenterhooks for his debut release. And here we are. This Wilderness & Other Concerns is a book that showcases Martin’s ability, knowledge and interests outstandingly. The sections are This Wilderness which is a response to The Wasteland a hundred years on, Other Concerns which take a view on place to politics and, Scousenlish.
Martin is deft at peeling back the mirage of city life revealing and exploring what lies beneath, both the dark and the funny of which there is plenty in in this book. This is portrayed in the opening poem ‘A Time For Dying’ where we are taken on a tour of the city and bump into Kevin King Carpet-fitter of Kidderminster and his passion for Caliban. This continues in ‘All The World’s A Stage’ and throughout the collection.
One of Martin’s strengths is his knowledge of and use of language to expand the poem from the page into immersive imagery that you can cling to. ‘/Pylon\ Shed’ is a terrific poem of sketching out a memory on to page for readers to share in the scene through multi-sensory detail. Another piece ‘Fabric’, compares contrasting scenes immensely.
Emotion is etched into the poems in this book on a wide spectrum. ‘Overheard On The Wind’ is a tour de force in emotive poetry where the reader is treated to a whole host of feelings across the pages. I was breathless after reading it and was an incredible closing poem to section one. ‘Martyr’ is a fantastic compact piece that teems with bite.
I’ve spoken about Martin’s use of language above, however, I must give a second shoutout for the full Scousenlish (described as Martin’s alter ego) section of the book which inspired by Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Read it aloud with measured cadence and the understanding of the words will fall seamlessly in your mind.
So I’ve talked about language twice. Martin is also a master of shaping and use of space to focus the reader on the message and narrative of his poetry. ‘The Murmurations’ is (one of my favourite pieces) an excellent display of the use of space and shaping to focus the reader but also give movement to the poem.
This is a book with broad appeal. Incredible language, wonderful imagery and an emotional undercurrent flow like the river through the city. Readers who want a modern take on The Wasteland will love this book. This is a collection that will make you pause and reflect throughout. A tremendous debut, I look forward to seeing what Martin does next. Buy it now, it will make a great literary Christmas gift.
Favourite Poem:
I’ve already mentioned The Murmurations. Let’s add another five if I use the entire ‘Scousenlish’ section to count as one. Then there’s ‘Pathos’, ‘Hope’’, ‘Drowned Rats and Sinking Ships’ and ‘Devotee’.
Buy This Wilderness & Other Concerns here or reach out to Martin on on social media to buy a signed copy direct which comes with a bookmark containing a bonus poem which is what I did.
Want a playlist to read along to? Well here’s an eclectic selection to accompany the book;
The Who – My Generation
Black Sabbath – Paranoid
Beverley Knight – Greatest Day
UB40 – Can’t Help Falling In Love
Kelly & Ozzy Osbourne – Changes
Duran Duran – Hungry Like The Wolf
The Streets – Has It Come To This?
Vivaldi – L’Inverno
Dexys Midnight Runners – Come On Eileen
The Moody Blues – I’m Just A Singer
Boney M – Rivers of Babylon
Blur – This Is A Low
Before I Go…
Have you read Pascale Petit’s feature yet? Read it here and keep your eyes peeled for a mini review of Beast in this coming week.
One More Thing…
The Winged Moon are hosting an online launch for Biophilia on Friday 26 September 2025 at 6pm (UK time). The lineup looks incredible. Email thewingedmoonmagazine@gmail.com to grab a ticket.
And Another…
Broken Spine Arts have launched a new initiative being spearheaded by Karen Pierce Gonzalez ( Author of Down River With Li Po) called #NotJustPretty and kicks off with a 90 minute literary open mic and showcase aimed at amplifying women’s voices. Details of the initiative can be found here.
And Finally…
Marcelle Newbold shared details of a competition she is co-judging on Instagram this week with some excellent prizes on offer. Walking ‘In The Dark’ closes on Monday 20th October 2025. Details here.
Next Week’s Read
- Title: Drench Me In Silver
- Poet: Saraswati Nagpal
Take it easy and stay poetic, I’ll catch you next week.
Paul
Paul Writes Poems 