Well as it’s the last weekly entry in The Book Bag of the year, I thought I’d indulge us in a Christmas Party to round off an exceptional year of poetry.
So, we’ve got cocktails, a quiz, a playlist that will suit everyone plus some prompts to get stuck into. Oh and I’ve got a poem to share and other bits and pieces.
Tear the clingfilm from the vol au vents, and let’s dive in.
First, here’s a cocktail from the bar. A Yule Mule.
In a tumbler add: A good scoop of crushed ice 50ml Vodka 100ml Cranberry Juice 100ml Ginger Beer 50ml Orange Juice
Garnish with: A Sprig of Rosemary A few cranberries A slice of orange
Get comfortable and stay away from Google. Before the music starts and everyone dances like they’ve just discovered movement let’s have a little poetic quiz. Only 15 questions on the topic of poetry:
Who released their debut collection ‘Sculling’ in 2025?
How many lines are in a sonnet?
Complete the title of this collection from Gill Barr,
‘A Wide River_____ __’
Which famous Irish Poet wrote “Digging”?
“Rage, rage against the dying of the light” was written by
A. Dylan Thomas B. WH Auden C. TS Eliot
How many words are required for a quadrille?
Who wrote the winter poem Harbinger found in this year’s Christmas / Winter anthology from Black Bough Poetry?
Who won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 2025?
In which TS Eliot poem does the line “Winter kept us warm” appear?
How many syllables in total are in a standard haiku?
Who was the first Poetic Voice to appear in The Book Bag?
What is the name of my poem in the anthology Rites & Trials, recently published by Broken Spine?
Name the current British Poet Laureate.
What is a quatrain?
How many presents in total would you receive from your true love in the 12 Days of Christmas?
How did you find that? Has it made you hungry?
Why not treat yourself to a snack from the buffet.
There’s a lovely Baileys Christiramisu at the end there. Just make sure Marjorie doesn’t hide it to take later…
Here’s a winter poem for your enjoyment (hopefully).
I’ve given the DJ the nod to start the disco.
Here’s the playlist he will be using. Feel free to offer any more suggestions…
The Pogues Featuring Kirsty McColl — Fairytale of New York Mariah Carey — All I Want for Christmas Is You Ariana Grande — Santa Tell Me Wham! — Last Christmas Leona Lewis — One More Sleep Kool & The Gang — Celebration Chic — Good Times Dua Lipa — Don’t Start Now Kylie Minogue — Spinning Around Lady Gaga & Beyoncé — Telephone Bruce Springsteen — Dancing In The Dark Daft Punk — Get Lucky (feat. Pharrell Williams) Boney M. — Mary’s Boy Child Slade — Merry Xmas Everybody Wizzard — I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday Shakin’ Stevens — Merry Christmas Everyone Sia — Candy Cane Lane Taylor Swift – Ophelia Cher — DJ Play A Christmas Song Backstreet Boys — Backstreet’s Back Chappell Roan — Pink Pony Club P!nk — Raise A Glass Whitney Houston — I Wanna Dance with Somebody Bryan Adams — Summer of ‘69 Queen — Don’t Stop Me Now Elton John — Step Into Christmas
Who’s worn out? Me too. Time to settle in for a Christmas Film or 2.
The popcorn and spiced almonds are coming around with some Black Forest Hot Chocolates.
We’re starting with The Snowman. And once we’ve shed some winter tears we’ll get joyous with Elf.
What are your favourite lines from Elf? Or are you not even a fan?
Here’s a gift for you all. Three festive poetry prompts to keep you busy.
Snow Globe Nights – write a nighttime piece as if you are stuck inside a snow globe, What’s the scene you’re surrounded by? What’s happening outside the curve? Stick to less than 100 words.
The Joy of Smiles – create a 30-word poem on a smile or smiles of loved ones. Avoid cliche and make it dynamic.
North Star – Inspired by the night sky, craft a free verse poem with the North Star as the central focus point. Make it cosmic and epic in scale with a generous 150 words split into 5 stanzas.
It’s time to zip up The Book Bag for the final time of the year. There is one last gift though. For anyone who missed the submission window for the Unwhispered Legacy anthology. You have until 9pm on Wednesday 17th December 2025 to submit up to 2 pieces. Details on subs here.
I hope to catch some of you at the launch of the Black Bough Christmas Anthology that is happening later today (5pm GMT) – tickets are free and available here.
Welcome one and all to The Book Bag Christmas Gift List 2025.
How has your week been? Are you feeling festive yet?
I’ve compiled this list based on reader suggestions and some personal favourites of mine to give some gift inspiration for the festive season. Another reason was to share and support your favourite poets and presses by buying books.
So, to tenuously misquote one of my favourite Christmas songs, let’s step into this extensive Christmas Gift list. I’ll also drop in a festive playlist and some more festive goodies. I ho ho hope you enjoy…
From M: The Poet Spells Her Name by Sarah Connor (also The Crow Gods and Always Fire both by Sidhe Press). Sarah died last year, but she left this legacy of her beautiful, courageous words.
From BH: Midden Witch by Fiona Benson published by Cape.
Is Midden Witch particularly Christmassy? No. Not really. But it is the finest collection of poetry I’ve read all year.
Criminal that it wasn’t – at least to my knowledge – on the big shortlists this year. Fiona is a poet whose word choice is so perfect can make me wonder why I bother to say anything ever. Just sublime.
From A: Here’s a couple of books I’ve enjoyed! Exact Colour of Snow by Bridget Kursheed, published by Shearsman Books and I Am Not Light published by Louise Machen, published by Black Bough Poetry.
From R: There are so many, but I’d go for At the Altar of Touch by Gavin Yuan Gao published by University of Queensland Press. Stunning imagery competes with bold inventiveness. Poignancy at the loss of their mother at a very young age is balanced by relationships they have had. It won The Premier’s Award and The Thomas Shapcott Poetry Prize.
Daughter of Fire by Lucy Heuschen published by Yaffle Press has been nominated for The Forward Prize. This is a marvellously diverse book of poems on Margaret d’Anjou reflecting on her life from a myriad of angles and styles.
The Empire of Forgetting by John Burnside, published by Cape. This is an immeasurably poignant collection, full of the beauty of letting go.
From P: Here’s a retro nomination. It’s the reissue of The Mersey Sound from Penguin with the work of Adrian Henri, Roger McGough and Brian Patten. First issued in 1967 at the height of the boom of the Mersey beat groups, it really has got something for everyone – funny, surreal, poignant – and ideal for anyone wondering about the roots of contemporary poetry.
Four from BK including one I have on my wishlist…
It’s Like This by Charlie Parker published by Written Off Publishing. A must-read collection for the dad, uncle or brother who likes to chug a beer, wear a flat cap and talk politics down the boozer. Exploring social class, humanity and the specifically humdrum experience of growing up working class and Northern, Charlie Parker’s debut collection packs a punch and a laugh at the same time.
Disaffected by Korrin Smith-Whitehouse published by Written Off Publishing. Korrin Smith-Whitehouse’s collection of education-adjacent poetry will resonate with anybody in your life who has dedicated themselves to the system. Poignant, yet wry, it is a stark and honest look at how the current education system is limiting the potential of a generation, along with the adults who lead them.
Circulaire by Bex Hainsworth published by Written Off Publishing. Bringing together nature, witchcraft, femininity and a strong will to exist, Circulaire is a feast of a poetry book that will delight any witchy woman in your life. Focusing on the human form, love and connection, it will hold your hand and take you on a powerful journey.
Car Office by Emma Conally-Barklem published by Written Off Publishing. A collection of vignettes and small, detailed observations from the front seat of a Nissan Micra, Car Office is a unique collection of poetry. Written during the COVID pandemic, it explores human nature in an intricate manner, peeling away the layers of society and casting an eye over the idiosyncrasies of a British neighbourhood under lockdown.
Another from M: For anyone looking for a Christmas/Winter/Winter Holiday poetry book, any of the Black Bough Christmas/Winter Anthologies are perfect! There will be a new one coming out soon. Each of the anthologies includes a wide range of wintry feelings — cozy, haunting, nostalgic, joyful, from poets from all over the world.
From BT: Visiting Hours by Saif Sidari, published by Broken Sleep Books. This debut pamphlet is a profound exploration of identity that is at times heartbreaking and at other humorous, and is fully immersive. Saif’s voice as a queer, Palestinian in diaspora feels particularly poignant and essential at this juncture in our collective history.
From D: Jen Hadfield’s The Stone Age published by Picador is my suggestion. It’s not festive in any way, but it encourages us to look at the world differently, which is a great gift at any time of year.
From S: I’d love to recommend SHINE Quarterly, an international anthology of poetry. SHINE showcases poets at all stages of their careers, ‘shining a spotlight’ on thought-provoking work by writers from all over the world. Importantly, SHINE strives to highlight messages of equity and unity in the midst of these divisive times.
From K: Becoming Altar, New and Selected Poems by Kyla Houbolt, published by Subpress Collective is described as a collection offering both hope and resistance in what appears to be a dark night of the world soul. Each poem travels to its reader on a wave of love.
A few from E: ‘I’m nominating these books in a batch based on the creative risk-taking and strength of writing shared by these exceptional poets in the ‘Write Here, Right Now’ writing group.’
Held Inside The Folds of Time by Merril D. Smith published by Jane’s Studio Press The Keeper of Aeons by Matthew MC Smith published by The Broken Spine Smatterings of Cerulean by Susan Richardson published by Dark Winter Press A Gracious Month by G. P. Hyde published by Yarborough Studios Thoughts I Lost in the Laundry by Leia Butler published by Stanchion Through Salt-Heavy Seas by Andy Williamson published via Lulu
From J: Moon Base One by Jemma L. King published by Parthian is a book about hope and rebirth and was described by a reader as ‘a masterclass in metaphor. From foetal spacemen to the ever-shifting landscape of the maternal body, here is poetry microcosmic and macrocosmic, intimate and vast, gorgeous and visceral. It moved me; it made me want to write; it was brimful of loss and hope and complexity. I loved it.’
From L: MOTHERBUNNET by Laura Cooney, currently author published runs. This would make a good Christmas present, not for new parents, but for anyone who has had children for more than 6 months. It is a book of honest poetry which is raw and heartwarming in turn. It will make you cry, it will make you think, it will make you feel. It will make you give your babies a hug and appreciate the life you have been given. Perfect for Christmas. It is a Wonderful Life.
Another from E: Down River with Li Po by Karen Pierce Gonzalez published by Black Cat Press. Karen blends writing for political change with close observations of nature inspired in this beautiful collection inspired by an 8th Century poet.
From a different M: Lines of Communication from Wee Sparrow Poetry Press. This anthology looks at the beauty of the natural world but with a focus on the overlooked and forgotten. It looks at the unconventional, the fringes. Featuring over 90 international voices, all proceeds are divided between three charities.
A Big Thank You to everybody who submitted their picks. So much variety on offer and good to see previous Book Bag entries make your recommendations.
Now it’s time to share my list, this time with a 1 line summary from me. I was thinking the other day how much poetry I’ve actually read over the last year. Alot but it never feels like it.
Sculling by Sophie Dumont (Corsair) – A profound collection of poetry set against the current of the River Avon that deals with so much.
Latch by Rebecca Goss (Carcanet) – An outstanding collection on place and how intrinsic it is to our nature.
A Hobby of Mine by Rishi Dastidar (Broken Sleep Books) – Fun, smart, smile-inducing list poetry.
Beast by Pascale Petite (Bloodaxe) – Powerful, animalistic, surreal poetry that gets under your skin.
This Wilderness & Other Concerns by Martin Kennedy Yates (Broken Spine) – A 21st Century Wasteland filled with wonderful language and metaphor, and the glorious Scousenlish.
Why I Wear My Past to Work by Chris Campbell (Parlyaree) – Heartfelt and healing words with an authentic feeling of family.
Consolamentum by James McConachie (Black Bough Poetry) – A strong, masculine collection filled with brooding Spanish vistas and culture.
Drench Me in Silver by Saraswati Nagpal (Black Bough Poetry) – Mystical, mythical elegance underpinned by gorgeous language.
Elemental by Helen Laycock (Independently Published) – A tremendous book of poems that includes one of my all-time favourites.
With Love, Grief & Fury by Salena Godden (Canongate) – A collection that teems with emotional connection, real issues and defiance.
A Wide River Divides Us by Gill Barr (Cinnamon Press) – A captivating important, personal testimony of living through a pivotal time in UK/Irish history.
Black Skies Die Starless by Jamie Woods (Punk Dust Poetry) – A sharply observed collection that examines the 90’s through a realist’s gaze.
Street Sailing by Matt Gilbert (Black Bough Poetry) – Incisive commentary of humans and animals converging with imagery metaphor and a dash of humour at times.
Make Up My Mind by Leia Butler (Steel Incisors) – Distinctive, brightly vivid and visual poetry that leaves an exacting impression.
Rescue Lines by Lesley Curwen (Hedgehog Poetry Press) – Poignant, heartbreaking, important poetry beautifully written.
New Famous Phrases by Daniel Hinds (Broken Sleep Books) – A terrific inventive debut which challenges, responds and respects the masters.
Welcome To A Museum of A Life by Sue Finch (Black Eyes Publishing UK) – A curated exhibition taking us from childhood to the end with wonderful surrealism and dreamscapes.
Mountains That See in the Dark by Regine Ebner (Black Bough Poetry) – An excellent collection full of immaculate imagery that brings the Arizona Desert to life.
Soi-même by Victoria Spires (Salo Press)– An elegant and delicate pamphlet filled with intimate poetry.
Headlands by Alice Stainer (Live Canon) – The first book in The Book Bag in 2025, this stunning pamphlet takes you on a captivating emotional journey across vivid landscapes.
Husband Material Volume II: 27 Addresses (Hidden Hand Press) – Raw, gritty rhymes tackling real social issues, with humour, resilience and defiance.
Somewhere A Tree Waits for An Angel or a Butterfly by Eileen Carney Hulme (Hedgehog Poetry Press) – A stunning pamphlet of love.
The Liminal Light of The Night (Hedgehog Poetry Press) – A gem of a book filled with evocative poetry complemented by stunning artwork.
A Dress With Deep Pockets by Jen Feroze (Smith|Doorstop) – A marvel of pamphlet celebrating friendship, maturing and looking back.
Beautiful Little Fools Anthology from Broken Spine – A superb re-examining of the roaring 20s a century after Gatsby came out.
The Storms Journal Issue 5 is jam-packed with incredible poetry. It gets a special mention here because it’s been so well curated.
Out Yesterday: The How In The World by Louise Longson (Hedgehog Poetry Press) – It’s on my Christmas Wishlist and should be on yours too. Also on my wishlist is Permanence by Stephen Paul Wren & Lesley Curwen (Atomic Bohemian), State Of The Nations by Katrina Moinet (Atomic Bohemian), Coin Laundry at Midnight by Carson Wolfe (Button Poetry), Eurydice in the Ruined House by Anna Saunders (Indigo Dreams Publishing), The Lives We Had Before by Vanessa Napolitano (Stanchion), Quietly Wild by Alix Klingenberg (Mandala Publishing), In The Blueprint of Her Iris by Vikki C & Robert Frede Kenter and so many more.
Also, not poetry but short stories, Soots & Boots from The Broken Spine looks certain to be an intriguing collection of festive stories with that trademark Broken Spine grit you expect. The writers involved in this are excellent. I’ve ordered my copy.
If you’re looking for something cosy and poetic to do but don’t want to write or draft, why not give this downloadable poetic wordsearch a go over the festivities.
If you’re looking to write some wintry pieces, here’s three prompts that will help you on your way. If you do use them, I’d love to read the finished pieces.
Midwinter Magic – On Midwinter’s Day, the snow falls upwards carrying whispered wishes, secrets, spells and memories. Hone in one person. Are they participating or simply observing? Give this person depth.
A Festival For The Ages – A sudden burst of colour from the Northern Lights signals a convergence of time where past, present and future collide. Start the zoomed in then widen the lens. Keep it light and fresh.
Winter As…– Create a poem with winter as something distinctive such as an animal or object. Make it surprising and use minimal punctuation. Limit the words to 50 if you can.
It wouldn’t be a book bag without a playlist would it so here’s a little festive edition to get you in the mood…
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year – Andy Williams Winter Wonderland – Frank Sinatra Last Christmas – Wham Step Into Christmas – Elton John All I Want for Christmas – Mariah Carey Wonderful Christmastime – Paul McCartney Thank God It’s Christmas – Queen Let It Snow – Dean Martin Christmas Lights – Coldplay Don’t Let the Bells End – The Darkness Silent Night – Gregory Porter Jingle Bell Rock – Bobby Helms Feliz Navidad – José Feliciano Little Drummer Boy – Bing Crosby & David Bowie Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town – Bruce Springsteen Somewhere Over The Rainbow – Eva Cassidy Fairytale of New York – The Pogues & Kirsty MacColl Carol of the Bells – St. Paul’s Cathedral Choir & Andrew Carwood Driving Home for Christmas – Chris Rea What Christmas Means to Me – Stevie Wonder White Christmas – Ella Fitzgerald O Tannenbaum – Nat King Cole Cold December Night – Michael Bublé I Wish It Could be Christmas Everyday – Wizzard Merry Christmas Everyone – Shakin’ Stevens Merry Christmas Everybody – Slade 2000 Miles – The Pretenders Somewhere Only We Know – Lily Allen Mary’s Boy Child – Boney M It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas – Perry Como
Before I Go… One recommendation was for the Christmas Winter Anthologies from Black Bough Poetry. Well good news, I have two pieces in this inventive, quirky anthology and it’s available imminently. Follow their socials to grab a copy.
One More Thing… Another anthology I have a piece in which was just released, is Rites & Trials, poetry based on coming-of-age. This is a captivating array of poems and voices. Buy it here.
And Another… Atomic Bohemian are holding a free online event to launch two of their new releases. Permanence by Stephen Paul Wren & Lesley Curwen and The State of The Nations by Katrina Moinet on December 4th. Tickets and details here. I heard some of the pieces from Permanence on Saturday evening and they were incredibly powerful and important.
And Another… Tickets are available for The Book Bag Open Mic Sessions, Session 2 taking place in January. Reader slots are limited, grab your spot here.
And Finally… Make sure you submit to the Unwhispered Legacy Anthology. Submissions opened at midnight. All the details are here.
Next Week’s Read
Title: Make Up My Mind
Poet: Leia Butler
Take it easy and stay poetic, I’ll catch you next week.
Welcome back to The Book Bag. I hope you’ve had a poetic week.
This week has been a busy one especially at work with the release of exam results. At home I’ve submitted a couple of pieces (got an acceptance which set me up for a great day on Thursday), worked on my own writing, enjoyed the sunshine and took a trip to an excellent charity bookshop. In the kitchen I made a chocolate and raspberry mousse which was delightfully light. Also, I brunched at Etto Gosforth (Sourdough French Toast with Maple and Bacon for me with a Latte) and welcomed back the Premier League Season and Fantasy Football.
On top of that, I’ve been reading;
Welcome To The Museum Of A Life
Poet: Sue Finch
Press: Black Eyes Publishing UK
First off, I’ll say I’m a fan of Sue Finch and we interact regularly on weekly prompts notably on TopTweetTuesday. Her shadow photos with dandelions as eyes are always good to see and uplifting.
Welcome To The Museum Of A Life is in sections as a gallery would be. Readers enter through the Foyer, exiting the collection via the Gift Shop as is proper in many museums. So without further ado, lets not get tangled in the entry gates and get on our way…
One of Sue’s main strengths in poetry is her ability to weave emotion and authenticity throughout her work. Poems including ‘Tuesday Night’ and ‘Silence’ display this incredibly well. I loved the poem ‘Peacock’ for its transition of emotion from amused observer to caring participant by the end. ‘When I am Gone’, one of the collection’s final pieces made me smile and tear up. ‘That Coin’ made me smile again and kept me smiling because of how purely and real falling in love is described.
Another skill that is showcased throughout is imagery. ‘My Hybrid Heart’, ‘When I Saw Jesus In A Tomato’ and ‘An Apple For My Mum’ are all prime examples of how to establish a scene that can feel so familiar and recognisable that you think this poem gets me and I get this poem.
Sue is deft at surrealist poetry too. The piece ‘I Hate You’ opens with an interaction between narrator and cow, a heron and an unknown bird. One of my favourite pieces ‘A Pelican Is Dancing On The Patio’ explores perception incredibly. ‘I’ve Nothing To Offer The White Horse In The Dream’ feels like a reckoning and I flinched on reading (I do have a slight fear of horses).
I’ve already discussed the book being divided into galleries. Another point to mention is that the galleries are varied in their themes and as in any good museum, a list of curated exhibits are introduced before you step in. Keep an eye out for the ‘Museum Of A Life: The Unexhibited’ which takes us behind the no entry signs to see what could be rotated in.
This curated collection will appeal to readers who enjoy their poetry underpinned by vivid imagery and honest emotion. Fans of surrealism and dreamscapes will enjoy this book. If you like visiting museums, you’ll love this book. I thoroughly enjoyed perusing the exhibits and my gift shop budget is too small to buy all the trinkets I’d like. Definitely one of the best museums I’ve visited.
To read more about Sue, click here or here which is Sue’s Silver Branch feature on Black Bough Poetry where you can read some of her work.
To buy Welcome To The Museum Of A Life, click here.
Favourite Poem:
There are a few to choose from this week so I’ll go for seven! In no particular order, as I am writing I’ll go for; ‘A Pelican Is Dancing On The Patio’, ‘When I Am Gone’, ‘That Coin’, ‘Invitation’, ‘I Don’t Know’, ‘Digging That Hole’ and ‘Rescuing The Giraffe.
And finally, here’s an eclectic playlist nobody asked for, but everyone secretly wanted:
Museum of Light – Ralph Towner, Wolfgang Muthspiel & Slava Grigoryan Sweet Dreams – Eurythmics Museum – Donovan National Gallery – Paul Weller Andy Warhol – David Bowie Mona Lisa’s & Mad Hatters – Elton John Dreams – Fleetwood Mac The Gallery – Joni Mitchell Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds – The Beatles Pictures of Lily – The Who
Before I Go…
A few weeks in The Book Bag I mentioned that I had been asked to read some work at a launch. Well on 12th September that Launch is happening online for Chris Camplbell’s new book from Parlyaree Press ‘Why I Wear My Past To Work’. For more information and booking details, click here.
One More Thing…
Keep an eye out for another list of Rishi Dastidar’s hobbies being added to his feature in The Book Bag: Poetic Voices. Catch up here.
And Another…
Broke Spine continue to do good things on Bluesky. A new project they are launching on Wednesdays is for works in progress. Check their Bluesky for more details and to get involved.
And Another…
Wee Sparrow Poetry Press are hosting a free online haiku workshop with the President of The British Haiku Society Ilyana Stoyanova on September 7th between 5 & 7pm UK Time via zoom. Email theweesparrowpoetrypress@gmail.com to book.
And Finally…
Just a reminder that your weekly dive into The Book Bag will return on 7th September. September’s Poetic voice will still arrive on the 1st.
Welcome back to The Book Bag. I hope you’ve had a poetic week.
What a week. I saw the Fantastic Four movie, followed by pizza with friends (I went for nduja and gorgonzola) where we saw England International and Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick, an acceptance, a piece published as part of the Poetry of Witness project on Wednesday. Also, it was the launch of Beautiful Little Fools Anthology where I read my two pieces (was it too much wearing a velvet jacket and bow tie and sipping old-fashioned cocktails?) ‘Depraved New World’ and ‘The Flicker of Green’. Oh, I spent a bit of time on my writing too.
On top of that, I’ve been reading;
Vanishing Point
Poet: Colin Bancroft
Press: Broken Sleep Books
Vanishing Point opens strongly with vivid imagery and precise, rich language in the poem ‘Botanical Notes’. The strength of scene continues throughout the the book including in poems such as ‘Sitting On Rocks At Penveen Lighthouse’ and ‘Etal Castle’ (one of several locations in the collection I’ve been to).
Place plays an important part of the collection. Both its historical context tied to memory, heritage and culture but also how a place can act as a way marker to another place. This is how I interpreted the piece ‘Transverse Orientation’ with its listings of services. ‘Picking Raspberries at High Force’ (somewhere I’d recommend anyone visiting, because it is exquisite) is an excellent poem that shows the cycle of renewal of a place.
Many of the pieces hold an emotional weight. ‘Into The Distance’ and ‘Figuring It Out’ are two perfect examples of how to craft evocative poetry in contrasting ways. The poem ‘The Law’ is a layered piece that sparked a reaction both consciously and subconsciously and I made an audible ‘oooft’ when reading it.
There are powerful poems throughout. The final poem ‘Post Box On Corporation Street for Manchester’ is unflinching. ‘Thoughts On An Aftermath’ is a thought-provoking honest piece which had me considering my reaction. The piece ‘Tethered’ hit me hard.
Nature poetry is exceptionally crafted in Vanishing Point. Poems such as ‘Gauging The Flood’ , ‘Standing’ and ‘Life Study’ are all prime examples of writing the natural world without over-sentimentality or cliche. I also enjoyed the poem
Colin Bancroft uses form and style in various ways throughout. ‘John Clare’s Green Coat’ uses spacing expertly to convey the poem’s message, leaving room to breathe before continuing. Free verse is used but also forms including list and couplet such as ‘Frozen Pool in Hotburn Plantation’.
This book will appeal to lovers of eco-poetry, vivid imagery, emotional connection and a sense of place. The Northern landscape and cultural, industrial history referenced in Vanishing Point resonated deeply with me as I have stood in some of the same places and can immerse myself fully in the poetry and the landscape. It’s a book, I will keep going back to.
I’m going to choose five here. In no order ‘The Law’, ‘HS2’, ‘Staithes’, ‘Capacity for Joy’ and ‘Night Horses’.
And here’s an eclectic playlist that I feel goes with the book that I’ve curated for your enjoyment;
Oasis – Champagne Supernova Richard Ashcroft – A Song For the Lovers Solis – Sunday James – Sit Down Lindisfarne – Run For Home The Unthanks – Shipbuilding Kate Bush – Running Up That Hill Jimmy Nail – Big River Seth Lakeman – The Colliers Chris Rea – Curse Of The Traveller New Order – Ceremony Mr Scruff – Honeydew Blossoms – Charlemagne
Before I Go…
Another page of Rishi Dastidar’s hobbies will be live on his feature from noon today, with another page of hobbies landing on 19th August. His feature can be found here. Catch up now.
One More Thing…
The Broken Spine has a ‘Cut To The Bone’ zoom workshop running on 24th August hosted by Alan Parry, details here. His workshops are always interactive and informative in a supportive environment and may be useful to all writers currently in the submission process.
And Finally…
Next week’s weekly entry in The Book Bag will be the last until September as I take a small summer break. I’ve already got exciting plans for the weekly entries from September with some more exciting poetry to share. I constantly update my social media channels with news so you can keep up to date there. You may even see me read a poem or 2.
Next Week’s Read
Title: Welcome To The Museum of A Life
Poet: Sue Finch
Take it easy and stay poetic, I’ll catch you next week.
Welcome back to The Book Bag. I hope you’ve had a poetic week.
This week has been busy with editing, submissions, August’s Poetic Voice feature being launched, the remarkable Rishi Dastidar. I also had one of the loveliest rejection letters I’ve ever had (although I did make the shortlist for consideration which is an achievement in itself). At home we celebrated Brody’s 2nd Birthday – he enjoyed his salmon lunch! We also took a trip to Stanton Gardens and Nursery, Bide-A-Wee Garden near Morpeth and the tremendous Fieldhead Farm to pick wildflowers. We also had some time to relax and harvest the last of the new potatoes that we enjoyed with some tapas.
On top of that, I’ve been reading;
The Oasis
Poet: Charles Lang
Press: Skein Press
I picked up my copy of The Oasis at the Len Pennie event at Jesmond Library a couple of weeks ago – the Poetry Book Society was selling several titles and I went for this – ( I have a connection to the city it’s based in. My maternal Grandfather and his family were originally from Glasgow where this is set). So let’s dive in, also the playlist has returned…
One of Charles Lang’s great strengths is his humour. The opening piece ‘The Chase’ had me reliving my youth, laughing at myself through the poem. ‘Stickers’ had me laughing too, such an authentic poem – I once completed a panini album apart from a handful of stickers in a hospital bed when I was about 12. The use of Glaswegian dialect reinforces the humour especially when reading out loud and realising that your Scot’s accent needs more work.
Glasgow is a city much like Newcastle; built on the backs of working-class families. A key theme throughout is that of strength of character and resilience in the face of challenges. ‘Glasgow Sonnets’, a sequence of sonnets paints the city with respect and authenticity. The collection’s title poem ‘The Oasis’ spotlights the sense of community which is present in the majority of working-class cities. Then in ‘Disturbia’ we are treated to the grit of a city at night.
A theme that’s explored terrifically well is masculinity, a subject that is multi-faceted especially against the backdrop of a working-class culture. Pieces including ‘Boys’ and ‘Darts’ showcase this greatly. Again, the use of dialect adds texture and dimensions to the poetry.
Imagery throughout the collection is vivid. In the poems ‘Spring’ and ‘Helen’s Bay’ familiar scenery unfolds quickly. ‘The Sabbath’ is a snapshot of a poem and is similar to a relaxing Sunday routine at The Book Bag HQ. ‘In Death of A Field’, I felt a pang of nostalgia for the ‘Rec’ me and my friends used to explore daily.
In terms of form and space, they are used in a variety of ways throughout the collection. ‘Thistles’ is a prime example, which takes over a number of pages. Much like a thistle patch taking over land. Another piece ‘A Mess’ is the same poem presented in three different ways, each with a different emphasis in the voice of the narrator.
This book will appeal to people who appreciate themes of identity, masculinity, belonging, class, city life and vivid imagery. For people who appreciate form and style, this book will appeal. For those who love dialect poetry, this will appeal. It sits comfortably in my top 10 from the year so far.
Favourite Poem:
I’ll stick to five this week but it could very well be the whole collection. ‘Lily’, ‘Nightclub’, ‘Scaffolding’, ‘The Oasis’ and ‘Birds’.
And here’s a playlist nobody asked for but everyone really wanted;
Gerry Cinnamon – Belter Amy MacDonald – This Is The Life Lewis Capaldi – Wish You The Best Chvrches – Over Simple Minds – Don’t You Travis – Flowers In The Window Deacon Blue – Dignity Texas – Black Eyed Boy Primal Scream – Rocks
One More Thing…
There’s still tickets available for the launch of Beautiful Little Fools on Tuesday 5th August 2025. Grab them here.
And Another…
Last week I mentioned the new substack ‘We Are The Choir; Poetry of Witness’. This week one of my pieces will be featuring. ‘Non-Hazardous Product’ is a poem on the destruction of a river and the commodification of water.
And Another…
Full House Literary are open for Submissions from 1 August to 20th August 2025. Details here.
And Finally…
The Black Cat Poetry Press have a competition with the theme ‘Turning Points’ open until 30th September 2025. The brief is broad, more details here.
Next Week’s Read
Title: Vanishing Point
Poet: Colin Bancroft
Take it easy and stay poetic, I’ll catch you next week.
Welcome back to The Book Bag. I hope you’ve had a poetic week.
This week has been a fun one. Projects coming together, submissions entered, lovely sunshine walks with my wife and Brody the dog, Julian Cason wrote some very nice things about me on Top Tweet Tuesday reviews week, I cooked up a storm in the kitchen, played some sax and gardened a little. I also saw my first swift and watched the pipistrelles swirling in the twilight.
On top of that, I’ve been reading;
East Of The Sun West, Of The Moon
Poet: Taz Rahman
Press: Seren Books
I was lucky enough to see Taz perform live at the incredible Black Bough Poetry fundraiser in aid of WellChild in Neath in 2024. If you get the chance to hear him read and perform, sit back and enjoy.
Jazz. Poetry. Two art forms that complement each other in terms of speaking an improvised language that is unusual but makes perfect sense at the same time. In their purest forms they are outlets for the disenchanted, disenfranchised, the dismissed. They also happen to be two of my passions. I’ll share a playlist that I listened to whilst reading this book further down the page.
Imagery is delivered with the grace and flourish of a blues scale. ‘Bread of Heaven’ is a perfect example of immersing a reader in a poem that by the end you feel a sense of connection to the poet. This is also the case for ‘Animal Wall’, a sectioned piece that incorporates folklore.
There’s genuine emotion on display throughout the book. The poem ‘Chocolate’ displays fear compared to ‘Sanctuary’ which I felt showed his feeling of safety and peace. I must almost mention the piece ‘Drama/Trauma’ which is really important and exquisitely crafted.
For the romantics, which I count myself as, ‘I Want To See Your Face in Every Kind of Light’ is excellent. I also consider ‘The Free State of Roath’ to be a love poem either to person or place.
Place is important in the book. There are references to Cardiff and Wales, scattered throughout. ‘The Nearness of You’ takes a walk-through Cathays Cemetery. I’ve already mentioned ‘Animal Wall’ and ‘Sanctuary’ above but you get a real sense of surroundings with Taz’s deft use of vivid language.
Equally important is Taz’s admiration and relationship with nature. This is apparent in his language. Poems such as ‘Muktijoddha’, ‘Snapdragons Need The Bulk of Bumblebees to Force Open The Flower’ and ‘Substrate Of A Rose’ show this off really well.
There are poems linked to Taz’s heritage that lift from the page through sensory experience. ‘Anda’ is mesmerising with scents of daal, hot sugar and rosewater. ‘Yashica 365’ is a poem that opens the book with a rich tapestry of language that is evocative, full of sounds, smells and colour.
Taz plays with different forms and styles throughout in the book. These shifts add interest and deliver his lyrical language sometimes interpreted messages with great skill. Pieces such as ‘Permission’, ‘Trap Arachnids For Rainy Days’,‘Amygdala’ and ‘Chocolate’ are a selection that show the variation and strength of his skill. Also, I must mention the introductions and quotes that precede some of the pieces. It was great to see Johnny Cash mentioned, someone with a deep relationship with Jazz.
This collection is one of my personal favourites. The connection between jazz and poetic skill and language often mirrors itself throughout. Taz uses rich imagery and terrific language and turns of phrase and has crafted an exceptional book. A masterpiece. Buy it.
Also as promised, a playlist to listen to while reading. This was my personal choice anyway…
Trying To Figure It Out – Grace Kelly Freddie Freeloader – Miles Davis C Jam Blues – Charles Mingus Take Five – The Dave Brubeck Quartet Round Midnight – Thelonious Monk In A Sentimental Mood – Duke Ellington & John Coltrane East of The Sun (And West of The Moon) – Charlie Parker Night In Tunisia- Dizzy Gillespie Mood Indigo – Frank Morgan Blue in Green – Cannonball Adderley
Favourite Poem: I’m choosing three this week. Permission, Turning Saints into the Sea and East of the Sun, West of the Moon.
To grab yourself a copy of this terrific collection, visit the Seren Books website here.
One More Thing…
Keep a close eye out for a new monthly feature from The Book Bag launching on June 1st. It’s an exciting development which I think you will all enjoy.
And Another…
For the Short Story authors, this is a polite reminder that the great people at Frazzled Lit are opening their competition on 1st June. Details here.
And Another…
Fans of open mic’s, whether to perform or be in the audience, the Broken Spine Arts #PoemsAbout event takes place Thursday 29th May. All the information can be found here.
And Finally…
Regine Ebner and Black Bough Poetry are having an online launch for her collection Mountains That See In The Dark on Saturday 7th June 2025. There’ll be readings from Regine and special guests. Grab yourself a free ticket here.
Next Week’s Read
Title: When It Rained for a Million Years
Poet: Paul Farley
Take it easy and stay poetic, I’ll catch you next week.
Welcome back to The Book Bag. I hope you’ve had a poetic week.
Well it has been another busy week for me. ‘Glow: City At Night’ poetry anthology launched on Monday (available here), my piece ‘Nightclub Distillation’ is contained within the pages that are bursting with incredible poets, I’ve sent off some submissions, had a lovely rejection letter and planned more projects.
Also, I hosted the first ‘Write Here, Right Now’ online writing group which was a big success thanks mainly in part to all the supportive and conscientious attendees. I’m already planning number two.
On top of that, I’ve been reading;
Poet: Laura Cooney
Press: 2nd Edition Laura Cooney (1st Ed. Backroom Poetry)
I’m a big fan of Laura Cooney, initially seeing her work in multiple lit mags and anthologies some of which I appear in, and also attending a workshop online ran by Alan Parry and hearing her read. She is a supportive and encouraging poet in all the prompts and response she participates in and her feedback is always insightful, a skill she uses in her role as one of the editors of Frazzled Lit.
So when I saw a post on BlueSky that she was having a second edition print run of ‘Motherbunnet’ I got myself a copy (no thanks to the scoundrels at Royal Mail).
There is real love shared in the pages of this book. The poem ‘I Am Here’ is a packed with emotion and protection. I think I’ve re-read the poem maybe 8 times (at time of writing). ‘I Could Complain All Day About The State of My Knees’ is another piece that shows the love Laura has for her children.
Laura is a poet who knows how to infuse humour into her poems. Pieces including ‘Just Admit It’, ‘Terms and Conditions’ and ‘. That’s When You Remember Why McDonalds Was Invented’ all had me laughing and smirking. Especially ‘Just Admit It’.
Themes of identity and perception recur through the pamphlet including in the title poem ‘Motherbunnet’, a piece that uses the bunnet as extended metaphor so deftly. A poem that stood out for me in this respect was ‘Mothering: Dreaming In An Awake State’. It is so full of internal grappling and poignant. The piece, ‘Two Macaws at Lunchtime’ is another study but of identity but with a shift in tone that still has Laura’s distinct style.
Imagery-rich pieces such as ‘Another Prayer’ and ‘The Place To Eat’ transport you and immerse you in Laura’s world. The observations are poetically sharp and tangible, and in the latter of the two when Laura peppers in some Scot’s language it adds an extra dimension.
Form is played with throughout the book, giving freedom to the words in the page and how they are read and spoken. The poems ‘Revolving Door’ and ‘3P BIO-WHO ARE You?’ are contrastingly distinct and deliver Laura’s message with real emphasis.
Motherbunnet is a sincere, funny and honest collection full of moments that take you on an emotional journey. Buy this if you appreciate poetry with connection that is steeped in reality.
Favourite Poem: ‘Sneaky Biscuits’ followed closely by ‘I Am Here’.
To buy Motherbunnet, contact Laura directly on social media @lozzawriting.
One More Thing…
Laura is co-editor of Frazzled Lit magazine who have a forthcoming Short Story competition with entries open between 1st & 30th June 2025. The competition will be judged by Nuala O’Connor and full details can be found here.
And Another…
Broken Spine Arts has opened submissions for a new anthology, Haze: Counterculture Poetry. I’ll definitely be creating something to submit to this excellent theme. Details including submission info and rules here.
And Finally…
A new Silver Branch feature has landed on Black Bough poetry celebrating the incredible work of Robert Frede Kenter. His work always mesmerises me and this feature contains truly remarkable pieces, details of his new book ‘Father Tectonic’ and his approach to writing. The feature can be found here.
Next Week’s Read
Title: Scattered Snows, to the North
Poet: Carl Phillips
Take it easy and stay poetic, I’ll catch you next week.
The worst kind of thief there is, is the one who steals another’s words then speaks them silver-lipped and serpent-tongued or writes them with crooked finger and poisoned pen without appreciating their weight or realising their value only seeing inked shapes on paper not the skill it took in crafting those shapes so when you’re caught and our expressions of love,hope,pain & hurt are reclaimed by us the ones who have enough courage to share our story with the world I hope you are wordless, you are voiceless a blank piece of paper blowing in the wind.
This poem was written following an issue where a few people were being plagiarised. The last straw was when war poetry was stolen from the pens of others , their name displayed as the original.
This is my feeling towards people who steal the words of others and say they are their own.
Paul Writes Poems 
