poet

The Book Bag: Fast Music by Hugo Williams

Welcome back to The Book Bag. I hope you’ve had a poetic week.

This week was the first week of training in my new role at work and has been busy but I’ve enjoyed every minute. My new teammates are great and have been very welcoming. At the weekend I got to Alnwick StoryFest to listen to some speakers and picked up next week’s Book Bag collection at Barter Books. I’ve also written and edited a few pieces in an attempt to curate a pamphlet.

On top of that, I’ve been reading;

Fast Music

  • Author: Hugo Williams
  • Press: Faber & Faber

I picked up my copy of Fast Music on my recent visit to Richmond. It was tucked in the wrong place on the shelf, or the right place as it grabbed my attention and I bought it alongside Heritage Aesthetics. 

Fast Music is split into two parts; Part 1 focuses on daily life, and Part 2 is an arrangement of sonnets charting a love affair. 

‘Fast Music’ is a great display of injecting nostalgia and humour into a poem without overcooking it. The image of ‘black bakelite planets spinning to heaven’ made me smile and reach for my vinyl. Throughout the collection, lyrics and music are mentioned including the opening piece ‘Undiscovered Islands’ which sees Williams as a sailor looking to chart his way through life. ‘Pennies From Heaven’, also the title of a Bing Crosby song, is a poem of two halves depicting his father as both serious and fun-loving.

‘Pause For Thought’ is a contemplation about how you can see yourself in a moment however this will look completely different to an onlooker. The fact this is a poem about being unable to write a poem but looking like he is writing is very meta. 

‘Enter Mr White’ gives a glimpse into Williams’ attitude towards declining health and what may lie beyond. References to medical science are throughout this piece until it transfers to saintdom, notably the Mexican day of the dead.

Dark humour can be found in the poem ‘Fear School’, where schoolboy name-calling (adopted by the teacher also) culminates in the subject of the piece, seeking revenge. It feels immature when you read it, but it displays actions and consequences, although subverted. 

The sonnets in the collection are tremendously varied. ‘The Plunge Club’ spills excitement from the page, whereas ‘Sell-by Date’ is a wry conversation on condoms, both the use and the lack of opportunity to use. Not your typical sonnets. The sonnets take you every which way in terms of feeling. ‘Blue Angel’ has an authentic sense of true longing.

This is a great buy for poetry and music lovers.

Although I wasn’t familiar with Hugo Williams’s work before reading this (yes, this makes me look like an amateur based on the awards and recognition he’s received), I’ll be tracking down his previous work to relish the wit throughout this work. 

You can find Fast Music available to buy here along with a small biography.

Favorite Poem: 

The Story So Far.

Before You Go…

I, alongside 11 other poets have been nominated for The Broken Spine Reader’s Choice Award 2025 for my poem ‘The Thief’. Voting runs from 1st -7th of March 2025. Details can be found here. 

And Finally…

Black Bough Poetry has an open mic on Wednesday 12 March 2025 kicking off at 7:15pm. It’s a great forum to test poems in a supportive environment with a wonderful host, Matthew Smith. Details here.

Next Week’s Read

  • Title: Sleepers Awake
  • Poet: Oli Hazzard 

Take it easy and stay poetic,

Paul

The Book Bag – Ever Striding Edge by Paul Brookes

Welcome back to The Book Bag. I hope you’ve had a poetic week.

This week has been busy; I attended an open mic, enjoyed a poetry workshop, said goodbye to my old team at work, saw some crocus and snowdrops emerge from the front lawn, and enjoyed TopTweetTuesday and PoemsAbout. Plus, I sent a couple of submissions off. 

I also got my hands on a copy of High Rise: Brutalist Poetry, a brutalist-inspired anthology, with one of my poems. Details of the anthology are here.

On top of that, I’ve been reading;

Ever Striding Edge

  • Author: Paul Brookes
  • Press: Dark Winter Press

Paul Brookes is a positive force for poetry. He writes, engages with and promotes other poets and creatives through the Wombwell Rainbow and Starbeck Orion. He has displayed a couple of my pieces in his Starbeck Orion publication on Substack. I have heard him read on several occasions and each time the emotion in his words left an impact. 

Ever Striding Edge is an intimate and heartwrenching collection of poems about family and grief and is the final collection in a septology of work. It is heavy with emotion, impact and experiences that many will be able to relate to. It begins on Striding Edge in the Lake District, where the powerful tone is set. 

A common thread throughout is breath. Both in the language and the opportunity to breathe between book sections. It is most apparent in poems including ‘Long Gallery’, ‘Her Stopping’ and ‘His Knaresborough’.

The imagery and references throughout the book reminded me of growing up in the 80s and 90s in Northumberland. The most notable of which is ‘In My Mam’s Mind’s Eye’. ‘I Watch Athletics With My Mam’ further details the relationship with his mother.

I have bookmarked the poem ‘I Sup Fathoms’. This brought a lump to my throat and I needed fresh air after reading. This also happened reading the section titled ‘The Day Grandad Disappeared’. It reminded me of my Great Granda Jock.

When discussing interactions with nature, Paul’s imagery is highly accomplished, this is no surprise after seeing plenty of his work in print and online. Multiple examples of this include; ‘Petals Open Wide At’, ‘Believe’, ‘In Nanna’s Garden’ and ‘Our Moorland’. 

This is a collection that teems with authenticity throughout. At times stark and others delicate, this book is brave, special and important.

Find out more about Paul here: https://thewombwellrainbow.com/ 

To get a copy of the book via Dark Winter Lit, click here: https://www.darkwinterlit.com/darkwinter-press?pgid=lm866r7x-3841dfe7-e5f2-4290-8c85-77b1a470b2c1 

Favorite Poem:
A Trimming Up. Followed closely by Protect.

Before You Go

I was clearing out space on my phone this week and I revisited a poem I wrote a while ago. This is Amateur Photos.

And Finally…
Next weekend I’m heading to Alnwick Storyfest. I’m looking forward to hearing poetry and buying some new books.

Next Week’s Read

Looking ahead, here’s what’s next in The Book Bag

  • Title: Fast Music
  • Author: Hugo Williams

Take it easy and stay poetic,

Paul

The Book Bag – Heritage Aesthetics by Anthony Anaxagarou

Welcome back to The Book Bag. I hope you’ve had a poetic week.

This week, I celebrated my birthday, attended Cullerpoets writing group, had a blast at the secure dog field with the pooch, jammed at sax practice, drafted some poems and edited several others.  

On top of that, I’ve been reading;

Heritage Aesthetics

  • Author: Anthony Anaxagorou
  • Press: Granta Poetry

I was already a fan of Anthony Anaxagorou having read After the Formalities a few years ago. I was drawn to the incisive, sharp observations contained throughout. I also had a copy of How To Write, his book published by Merky which was a great resource when I was a new writer. I may still have it in my bookshelves. So, when I saw a copy of Heritage Aesthetics in a London Bookshop, I bought it immediately.

Heritage Aesthetics looks at the impact of imperialism and colonialism, culture, politics and hope, through a series of poems that go from fierce to tender and back again and how his British and Cypriot heritage influence his identity. 

The pieces throughout this collection use sharp, visceral language. Poems including ‘Endgame’, ‘My Weapons are Working People’ and ‘We Are Us Now’ are all exceptional examples of this dealing with very different topics.

‘Futurist Primer’ is a tremendous commentary on violence, masculinity and contradictions. The way that a stabbing is mentioned once displays how we are so used to violence that any shock quickly fades. 

Identity is grappled with head-on in pieces such as ‘Now My Ego Wants Better Things’ and ‘Text Message’. Vivid language and narration choices in these poems are deftly considered.

I admire the poem ‘On Leave Until’ for how it weaves hope and softness around some sharp edges. 

Throughout the book, he experiments with different forms to deliver maximum impact. This can be seen in ‘For Those Who Demand Evidence’, a train of thought that goes full throttle down the centre of the pages. Another example is ‘Inner Lone Drift’. Spacing, line breaks and punctuation give a real sense of his internalised conversation, with the language choices powerful and emotive. The opening poem to Territory 2 (part two of the book) and ‘Perhaps: A Rhetoric’ highlight Cyprus through other people’s eyes using found words in different ways.

The thing I love most about this collection is the raw honesty and heart-on-the-sleeve feel this has to it. The title poem (and my favourite in the collection) ‘Heritage Aesthetics’ layers emotion, identity, philosophy and hope. This book is in the top 5 collections I’ve read in the past couple of year for its distinctiveness.

Buy this book if you’re a fan of poetry that weaves intricate tapestries of heritage, culture and identity with emotion and guile. Actually, just buy this book.

To learn more about Anthony Anaxagarou, his website can be found; https://anthonyanaxagorou.com/ where you can also purchase his books.

Favorite Poem:
Heritage Aesthetics, closely followed by Inner Lone Drift. 

One More Thing…
If you want to try an open mic out as a reader or audience member, Black Bough Poetry is hosting one of its welcoming and supportive evenings on Sunday 23rd February 2025. Details here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/black-bough-poetry-open-mic-tickets-1231348128399?aff=erelexpmlt&_gl=1*5ftk2v*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTk4NjExOTQwNC4xNzM5NjIwMDI0*_ga_TQVES5V6SH*MTczOTYyMDAyNC4xLjAuMTczOTYyMDAyNC4wLjAuMA..

And Finally…
Tomorrow sees the release of High Rise; Brutalist Poetry anthology from Broken Spine Arts. One of my poems is included which I’m very happy about. I’ll share more details next week.

Next Week’s Read

Looking ahead, here’s what’s next in The Book Bag

  • Title: Ever Striding Edge
  • Author: Paul Brookes

Take it easy and stay poetic,

Paul

The Book Bag – Oxidized Pennies by Regine Ebner

Welcome back to The Book Bag. I hope you’ve had a poetic couple of weeks.

The past fortnight has been busy: I went to London, Kew, and Richmond to celebrate Mrs S’s birthday, sent off a couple of submissions, spent a day shadowing my new team at work, enjoyed a few delicious meals out, spent some time stargazing, and had some great walks with the dog.

On top of that, I’ve been reading;

Oxidized Pennies

  • Author: Regine Ebner
  • Press: Alien Buddha Press

Regine Ebner is an incredibly talented poet. Her contributions to Top Tweet Tuesday on Twitter/X are always thought-provoking and rich with language and imagery. Although Regine hails from the States, she travelled thousands of miles to attend the Black Bough Poetry Fundraiser in 2024. If you get the chance to hear her read, take it!

Oxidized Pennies was published in 2022 and is a pamphlet of poems that takes readers across desert land and sea with clever imagery and emotion.

The opening piece, ‘Knapsack’, is a great way to start a pamphlet. The romance and the vivid imagery will raise a smile, setting a tone for readers. 

Regine is economical in her poetry, every word has importance and there is no stray language. ‘Watercraft’  and ‘Frozen’ are excellent representations of this.

You can feel Regine’s graciousness and respect for her desert home through the wonderful use of first-person narration in ‘Blowing Sand’. 

The poem ‘Cello Pieces’ is layered with scale, both musically and cosmically. This is smartly crafted and a poem I really enjoyed. 

Grab this pamphlet if you’re a fan of exquisite imagery, the romance of prairies and appreciate economy of language.

Favorite Poem:
I’ll give you three; Feast, Sea Glass & Frozen.

You can buy Oxidized Pennies here; https://www.amazon.co.uk/Oxidized-Pennies-Regine-Ebner/dp/B0B6XNQJ2W

One More Thing… 

Regine has a collection coming out soon with Black Bough Poetry.

And Finally…

I’m celebrating my birthday on Tuesday. I’d love some recommendations on collections and pamphlets I should be including in The Book Bag.  Leave a comment below or tag me on X, Threads or Bluesky.

Next Week’s Read

Looking ahead, here’s what’s next in The Book Bag

  • Title: Heritage Aesthetics 
  • Author: Anthony Anaxagorou

Take it easy and stay poetic,

Paul

Poem: The Barghest

The Barghest is a figure from Northumbrian folklore. A monstrous black dog with large teeth and claws; believed to be an omen of death. This poem was in response to a prompt on the Top Tweet Tuesday platform on X.

The Bhargest

Sable-sad fur shifting in the gloam, 
you could be invisible but for your coronal eyes
blazing hotter than a hellhound’s, 
and those gouging silver-sickle claws glinting in moondusk, 
your blunt falchion-teeth rattling 
like promethean chains on the windspell. 

It’s hard not to choke 
on the wafting scent of your cavern-heft jowls, 
putrefaction palpable as a spit-roasted suckling pig. 
Sometimes you deafen the darkness with knowing - 
thunder-roars of finality. 

Old lives and older tales tell me to be wary of you. 
Beware of your paws for they will strike me down. 
But I’m no hostage to the opinions of others. 

To me,  you’re simply misunderstood. 
You’re no omen of death. 
Like all dogs, you’re a protector. 
A protector of life. You give us a chance to change, 
to settle balances before it’s too late. 

I’ve been called many names, none my own. 
We are kindred.
Not all that’s written and said, is true.

The Book Bag – In Dangerous Hours by Kitty Donnelly

Welcome back to The Book Bag. I hope you’ve had a poetic week.

This week has been fairly busy with reading and writing. I saw five of the planets when they were in lunar alignment, went on a chilly woodland walk, and maintained the garden fence during Storm Eowyn. 

On top of that, I’ve been reading;

In Dangerous Hours

  • Author: Kitty Donnelly
  • Press: Indigo Dreams

I’ve been lucky to meet Kitty in person at the infamous Black Bough Poetry Party. That’s where I picked up copies of both of Kitty’s pamphlets. Before that, I knew her work through the online poetry community.

In Dangerous Hours is a collection of poetry that examines humanity. Some pieces are inspired by historical female figures, both real and fictional. 

This is a book overflowing with authenticity. Poems including ‘The Crisis Team’ and ‘Three Deers Descending’ and ‘Call Sixteen’ highlight the real pressure on healthcare and those who work within it and use it. This resonated deeply with me as my wife works in the NHS. 

I’ve mentioned that real and fictional historical figures are used throughout. ‘Jennifer Fairgate’ is a poem tackling a true-life event in Oslo in 1995. This is a genuinely smart piece and when read aloud, it sounds like a true crime podcast. ‘Zelda Fitzgerald; Synaesthesia’ is a remarkable poem about breaking down. The poems throughout this collection are strongly evocative.

Kitty is great at interweaving nature into narratives. Pieces such as ‘Dewsbury Country Park’, ‘Barn Sparrows of Chernobyl’ and ‘Sour Cherry’ use nature in varying guises. ‘Kingfisher’ is an exquisite piece that underscores the connection between humans and the natural world.

Buy this if you appreciate incredibly evocative poetry. 

In Dangerous Hours is available to buy here; https://indigodreamspublishing.com/kitty-donnelly 

Favorite Poem:
The Comb. Then The Kingfisher. 

And Finally…

The Book Bag is on holiday for one week as I celebrate my wife’s birthday on a little trip away.

Take it easy and stay poetic,

Paul

The Book Bag – Blossomise by Simon Armitage

Welcome back to The Book Bag. I hope you’ve had a poetic week.

This week, I had some amazing news at work: I battled the cold, attended an open mic hosted by Black Bough Poetry, submitted some pieces, attended North Tyneside Writer’s  Circle and went for a lovely meal in Northumberland.

On top of that, I’ve been reading;

Blossomise

  • Author: Simon Armitage
  • Press: Faber & Faber

Blossomise is a collaboration between Simon Armitage, Angela Harding and The National Trust.  It combines haikus with modern poetry. It is part of the National Trust’s campaign to celebrate spring and learn more about the natural world. I picked up my copy at Wallington Hall in Northumberland last year. 

As the title suggests, the poetry within this collection deals with the oncoming of blossom in spring. If you’ve read my piece “The Cherry Tree Orchard, Alnwick Garden”, you will know that I enjoy blossoming trees. 

It’s no surprise that the calibre of work within the pages is exquisite.

The poem ‘Folk Song’ is hypnotic, with the repetition of “apple, cherry, blackthorn, pear” especially when read aloud. 

‘Fluffy Dice’ is a terrific piece about nature versus man and its resulting unintended consequences. The use of triplets gives it energy and rhythm. It’s my second favourite poem in the collection. 

‘The Plymouth Pear’ highlights the rarity and the resilience of nature. The close grouping and shortness of lines give the piece an urgent immediacy.

The final poem in the collection, ‘Skeleton Tree’ shows us what nature offers and provides made me quite emotional.

A wonderful feature of Blossomise is how haiku is interspersed throughout the book. Each gives you pause. I found myself returning to the final haiku multiple times. 

But it’s not just the poetry that is exemplary. Angela Harding’s artwork that is throughout the book adds another dimension to the collection. The style of illustration really lends itself well to the message of the collection.

If you’re a fan of quality nature poetry brought to life by stunning artwork and love spring, this is the collection for you.

Favorite Poem:
Plum Tree Among The Skyscrapers.

One More Thing… 
There is an EP that accompanies the book recorded by Simon’s band LYR with community choirs across the UK.

Find out more about Simon Armitage here: http://www.simonarmitage.com

And Finally…

I’m really proud to have a piece published in the newest edition of Dust Poetry Magazine on the theme of Joy. I’ve included a link here; https://www.dustpoetry.co.uk/issues/categories/issue-13-joy the work inside is tremendous.

Next Week’s Read

Looking ahead, here’s what’s next in The Book Bag

  • Title: In Dangerous Hours
  • Author: Kitty Donnelly

Take it easy and stay poetic,

Paul

The Book Bag – Rescue Lines by Lesley Curwen

Welcome back to The Book Bag. I hope you’ve had a poetic week.

This week, I’ve been to the cinema, done some stargazing, visited Morpeth, received some valuable feedback from my mentor, written some pieces, edited some pieces, researched some local mythology, read Orbital by Samantha Harvey and drank lots of lemsip. 

On top of that, I’ve been reading;

Rescue Lines

  • Author: Lesley Curwen
  • Press: Hedgehog Poetry Press

I had the pleasure of meeting Lesley in person at the famous Black Bough Poetry Party, where I first heard about this pamphlet. Lesley is widely published and recently guest-edited Black Bough’s Christmas / Winter Anthology (a great read). Lesley is also a broadcaster and sailor.

Rescue Lines is a highly personal pamphlet, dealing with forced adoption, coercive control, finding and losing a sister. Before I go further, let me state, that this is an important book. 

The collection opens with ‘To A Lifeboatman’. A poem about being saved at sea. Throughout the pamphlet, Lesley uses the sea in a variety of ways. ‘A View Of Plymouth Breakwater’ uses it as an outlet of rage. ‘The Seas Between Us Grow Every Day’ uses the sea as a measure of distance in terms of mourning and recovery. In the poem ‘Unmoored’, we see the healing nature of water. 

‘Sister with Bees’ is a visceral piece using bees to display the nature of coercive control. The way Lesley describes the onset of a swarm, illustrates the danger and the speed at which people can succumb to a horrible situation. ‘Irresistible Pull’ is a raw and brutal poem.

‘Full Sister, Half Known’ is deeply saddening and tackles the separation of Lesley from her sister using a sewing machine as a vehicle for the narrative. This is an evocative and brave piece to write. ‘Without End’ is an incredibly moving poem that struck a chord. It made me reflect on my own experiences of grief. ‘Afterness’ brought me to tears. 

This collection is tragically sad at points however, the final poem ‘My Sister’s Eye is Opal’ is a wonderful tribute and shows how Lesley and her sister are still connected through a bestowed ring. 

Get this collection. It is uncompromising, challenging and brave. The truest form of poetry.

To find out more about Lesley, check out her website at: lesleycurwenpoet.com

If you’d like a signed copy of Rescue Lines, you can contact Lesley on X @ElCurwen, 

Unsigned copies are available here: https://www.hedgehogpress.co.uk/product/rescue-lines-lesley-curwen-print-edition/

Favorite Poem:
My Sister’s Eye is Opal.

One More Thing… 

Lesley had a chapbook of Eco Poetry published by Dreich Poetry Press in 2024 available here;
https://hybriddreich.co.uk/product/sticky-with-miles-lesley-curwen/

And Finally
Two upcoming courses that may pique poetic readers’ interest, both on the Sunday 16th February and no overlap so if you wanted you could do both…

Untamed: Writing Without Fear by Alan Parry of Broken Spine Arts – I’ve attended several of Alan’s workshops and they are always informative and engaging. Tickets and Details here;
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/untamed-writing-without-fear-with-alan-parry-tickets-1126372493449?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Crafting Your Year in Poetry – A Strategic Workshop for Poets by Matthew MC Smith of Black Bough Poetry – I’ve attended this and it’s given me a great drive and focus. It is a real boost to your practice and helps identify how to get where you’re going. Tickets and Details here; https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/crafting-your-year-in-poetry-a-strategic-workshop-for-poets-tickets-1134533804149?aff=ebdsoporgprofile&keep_tld=1

Next Week’s Read

Looking ahead, here’s what’s next in The Book Bag

  • Title: Blossomise
  • Author: Simon Armitage

Take it easy and stay poetic,

Paul

All Of Us Horses

Wild stallions overrunning cobblestone streets 
gallops fierce as northern thunder, 
manes a frenzy of electric-shock wind; 
all thoughts of consequences 
trampled in the wake of lightning-hooves. 

Shoots of meadows sprung up 
in tarmacked alleys and avenues. Band of brothers separated,  
searching for pastures of their own to graze. 

Love bridles all. Reins accepted willingly. 

Untethered and unburdened by expectation, 
when we horses herd together; 
                                                         we canter.

Photo by Vladimir Vujeva on Unsplash

The Book Bag – Headlands by Alice Stainer

Welcome back to The Book Bag. Happy New Year!

I hope you’ve all enjoyed a peaceful and calm festive period.

Over the past few weeks, aside from attending poetry parties, I’ve been celebrating Christmas, and New Year, seeing friends and family and getting a couple of poetry acceptances. I’ve also done some reading and writing and attended a workshop from Broken Spine Arts about ‘Writing the Night’. 

At New Year, our tradition is to go for a walk to blow away the dust from December and welcome in January. So in that vein, I’m sharing a pamphlet that treats us to glorious landscapes to walk among…

Headlands

  • Author: Alice Stainer
  • Press: Live Canon

Alice is a widely published poet with several nominations and awards for her work, so it is no surprise that Headlands contains poetry that carries you through the pages from beginning to end without a misstep. 

Landscapes are described beautifully through rich language and incredible imagery. The opening poem ‘Up Wavering Down’ is a prime example of this as is ‘Whaligoe Steps’ and ‘Port Meadow in Winter’  and ‘PPS. 

‘Dance To The Music of Uncertain Times’ (for the Sadler’s Wells Ballet) is a perfect poetic display of resilience and bravery. After reading this poem, I sought out a documentary to learn more. 

In Headlands, we are treated to some excellent use of form, notably in ‘Moon Moods’, ‘Dress Code’ and ‘The Call’. The different uses, add extra heft to the poems.

Emotions ran high when reading the poems ‘Review’, ‘Blue Wallpaper’ and ‘Still Life’. These are pieces that leave lasting thoughts on you after reading. Remarkable.

Grab this pamphlet if you want to read a collection that will transport you to vivid landscapes to meander along, feel the kaleidoscope of emotions as you journey and give you that thrill you get when you breathe fresh air.

Favorite Poem:
Headlands. Followed closely by Metamorphic.

One More Thing… 

Headlands is Alice Stainer’s debut pamphlet and was the Winner of the 2023/24 Live Canon Pamphlet Competition.

Buy it here: https://livecanon.co.uk/store/product/headlands-alice-stainer 

Next Week’s Read

Looking ahead, here’s what’s next in my book bag

  • Title: Rescue Lines
  • Author: Lesley Curwen

Drop a comment and let me know if you received any poetry collections or anthologies over Christmas and how you found them.

Take it easy and stay poetic,

Paul