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The Book Bag Christmas Gift List 2025

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.

WordsearchDownload

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.

Paul

The Book Bag: With Love, Grief and Fury by Salena Godden

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

I’ve had quite the week.

On Sunday, I popped into Barter Books in Alnwick to drop in some books, (I ended up buying more than I left) then we went for a walk along Alnmouth Beach where I tripped over some jetty railings and landed knee and face first. My shin currently has a bruise the shape of Italy. The walk was worth it though because I got this photo of the North Sea with Coquet Island lit up by a soft November sun in the distance.

Oh, I also got a wonderful message from Leia at Full House Literary informing me that ‘Updraft’ had been nominated for the Pushcart. Thank you to everyone who congratulated me also, it means a lot.

Thursday’s Write Here, Right Now was terrific. I gave five obscure prompts to work on, we worked in WiP then had the feedback session. I love the perspectives and insight that members provide that make you look at a piece in a completely different way. It was also fantastic to welcome two new members.

On Friday, the Christmas List window closed. I’ll be sharing the list next week and this will be in place of the regular book bag. The list has terrific variety and something for everyone.

On top of that, I’ve been reading;


With Love, Grief and Fury
• Poet: Salena Godden
• Press: Canongate

Salena Godden is a force of nature. An incredible poet, novelist, activist and many other things. Last weekend, I picked up a copy of With Love, Grief and Fury after listening to Mrs Death Misses Death on audiobook and loving it. Let’s jump in…

As the title suggests readers are submerged in a pool of evolving emotions throughout the book. The link between the main themes of love, fury & grief is evident and used to excellent effect with authenticity. A standout piece that delivers a maelstrom of emotional turmoil is ‘Five Words’. I had to stop reading for the night after reading this.

Salena Godden’s storytelling is a major superpower. Her prose pieces including ‘Camden’, ‘October Tape Experiment’ and ‘You Made A Fuss’ are transportative and immersive. The poem ‘Sun Cream In February’ is a cutting observation starting with baked beans and ending with elephants and existentialism.

Vivid imagery is on display throughout the collection. The pieces that form the ‘With Love, Grief and Fury’ sequence and ‘Autumn’s Secretary’ demonstrate this as does ‘And The Moon Don’t Talk To Me’ Anymore. One of my favourites is ‘Dog Days Done’, it has an authentic hope.

Societal expectations and social issues are questioned and answered throughout the book. The poems ‘Book Mother’ and ‘Egg and Spoon Race’ tackle expectations on women. The piece ‘Wish You Were Here’ is a stark piece that takes in the pandemic and the decline in social etiquette / behaviour that came with it. ‘Dirty Old Men’ is a gritty and grimy indictment on objectification and justice.

Form and style is varied throughout. I’ve already mentioned prose pieces. Readers are also treated to breathless streams of consciousness poems, list poems and pieces that use the page differently such as ‘One Hundred and Nine’ or the screenplay ‘2084’.

The use of language and vocabulary is expert, I’ve jotted down a couple of new words to use in future poems. I may write a couple of ‘After’ poems in response to some of the pieces in this book.

There are so many topics and themes I could go into but that would take me a year. What I will say is, this is top class writing. In the top 5 books I’ve read this year.

This book will appeal to readers who enjoy relatable, honest poetry that approaches real issues with excellent effect. It is a collection rich with emotion and immersive storytelling. There are tender moments, fierce moments, defiant moments. A title that whispers and shouts. Once read, you will want to keep returning, time and again.

Favourite Poem:

I’ve already mentioned ‘Dog Days Done’. I could choose many more but based on today’s feeling, I’ll go with another seven. ‘Camden’, ‘The Girl In The Green Cardigan’ ,‘Bit On The Side’, ‘Evergreen Tea’, ‘Burned’, ‘1999’ and the ‘With Love, Grief and Fury’ sequence. But really I can’t stop there so another few that just popped into my head are; ‘City of Water’, ‘Cake’, ‘Sakura’, ‘A Small Kindness’, ‘Kimono’ and ‘2084’.

To read more about Salena, click here.

To buy With Love, Grief and Fury, click here.

Are you looking for this week’s playlist? Well this is a bumper eclectic mix to enjoy whilst reading:

The Jam – That’s Entertainment
Buzzcocks – Ever Fallen In Love
The Ramones – Sheena is a Punk
Madness – It Must Be Love
Annie Lennox – Why
John Coltrane – My Favourite Things
Bruno Mars – Marry You
Joni Mitchell – Got Til It’s Gone
Marianne Faithfull – Why D’Ya Do It
Florence and the Machine – Dog Days Are Over
Elton John – Your Song
The Commitments – Mustang Sally
Prince & The Revolution – Purple Rain
Chaka Khan – I’m Every Woman
Fatboy Slim – Praise You
Sade – Kiss of Life
David Bowie – Rebel, Rebel
Bryan Ferry – Love Is The Drug
Beyonce & Andre 3000 – Back to Black
Little Roy – Come As You Are

Before I Go…
If you want to be part of the next Book Bag open mic, I’m pleased to announce that tickets for The Book Bag: Open Mic Sessions – Session 2 are now on sale and can be bought here.

One More Thing…
If you missed it, the bonus poem from Rebecca Goss has been added to her Poetic Voices feature. I’m priveliged to showcase exquisite work on The Book Bag. Read here.

And Another…
On Saturday 29th November, I’ll be reading alongside some outstanding poets who are launching their books at Louise Longson’s Last Saturday Poets. Tickets are available here.

And Finally…
Have you got poems ready for the Unwhispered Anthology 48-hour submission window which opens next weekend? Guidelines and details here.

Next Week:

  • The Book Bag Christmas List

Take it easy and stay poetic, I’ll catch you next week.

Paul

The Book Bag: This Wilderness & Other Concerns by Martin Kennedy Yates

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

The Book Bag: Welcome To The Museum of A Life by Sue Finch

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.

The First Read Upon Returning From My Break Is…

  • Title: Maybe I’ll Call Gillian Anderson
  • Poet: Rhian Elizabeth

Take it easy and stay poetic.

Paul

The Book Bag: Down River with Li Po by Karen Pierce Gonzalez

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

This week has been busy. Friends visiting the past weekend got us across North Tyneside and Northumberland. A walk around Rising Sun Country Park, a trip to the coast and a walk over the causeway to St. Mary’s Lighthouse. Some fish and chips too. I also saw Tim Minchin live on Wednesday at Newcastle City Hall who was excellent as always. His live shows always make me laugh, cry and leave with a smile.

On top of that, I’ve been reading;

Down River With Li Po

  • Poet: Karen Pierce Gonzalez
  • Press: Black Cat Poetry Press


I first read Karen’s work on a Broken Spine or (maybe a Top Tweet Tuesday) prompt response. Then I was lucky enough to see her read on an open mic and it was clear that she is both a tremendous writer and performer. Today I’m sharing my thoughts on one of the several collections Karen has or is releasing this year. I will be honest here, I had been sent this collection electronically hence it being on my tablet, but I have also ordered the physical copy, I loved it that much (it didn’t arrive intime for the photos which will be updated once it arrives). Read on for my thoughts as well as an eclectic playlist.

Down River with Li Po transports us back in time and space back to 8th Century China during the Tang Dynasty whilst also having a foot in modern California. This adds a great dynamic to the collection as the parallels become visible.


From the first poem, it is clear that creating sensory immersive imagery is one of Karen’s strengths. Pieces including ‘Lantern Festival’, ‘On The Bank’ and ‘Waking Up In Paradise’ are all terrific examples of this.

The collection feels relaxing, soft and uncomplicated as readers sail down the Yangtze River. Pieces such as ‘Waiting’ and ‘At The Harbor’ are excellent examples of crafting serenity in poetry. ‘A Tender Walk’ is a beautifully crafted piece that made me feel calm after reading.  However, Karen counterpoints tranquillity with urgency in pieces such as ‘When The General Arrives’ and ‘Instincts’.

Nature is a focal point in the collection. ‘Early Summer Rain’ is a fine example of Karen’s ability to weave the domestic and the wild. ‘Dandelions’ is a perfect display of economy of language and the omnipotence and movement of the oft overlooked golden wildflower.

Relationships are explored in the collection. ‘During The Invasion’ portrays a protective instinct. ‘Woodland’ reads as a poem of longing, potentially of lost love and how we attach meaning to sensory input. ‘We Meet In Spring’ is a wonderful piece. There is so much contained in eight lines.

Karen is deft at using form and formatting to set the pace of individual pieces. ‘Wistful’ and ‘Merlot With The Moon’ are two examples where a change in formatting and use of space adds further depth to the poems. ‘Between Us’ plays with alignment on the page as does ‘Bird Talk’ and many others.


This collection will appeal to anybody who wants to immerse themself in a calmer, less complicated world, even if it’s just for a few minutes away from the chaos, listen to the sounds of the natural world both modern and centuries old. It will also resonate with readers who appreciate rich imagery and expert use of language. It is a triumph.

Favourite Poem:
I have a few in this collection. ‘The Shift’, ‘Between Us’, ‘Dandelions’ and ‘Imperial’ all wrangled for top spot on various days.

To read more about Karen including other works, click here.

To buy Down River with Li Po click here.

As promised, a playlist;

Wong Yiqin – Summer of Jiamusi
Zhou Xiao-Qing – Chinese Dragon
Hong Ting – Lotus Out of Water
Zhang Wei-Liang – Plum Blossom Melody – Three Variations
Yu Xunfa – Six Clappers in Zhong Hua
Joni Mitchell – California
Bruce Springsteen – Goin’ To California
Maxime Le Forestier – San Francisco
John Denver – Country Roads

One More Thing…
Keep an eye out for another poem from June’s featured poet dropping on Monday. If you’ve missed it, catch up on the feature here.

And Another…
I’ll be sending out invites for this month’s Write Here, Right Now writing group meeting this week. If you’d like to know more, drop me a message on social media. We are an inclusive, supportive group.

And Another…
Beautiful Little Fools, an anthology inspired by The Jazz Age, following 100 yeas of the Great Gatsby will be released on 7th July 2025. If you follow me on social media, I’ll be sharing a link when it goes live.

And Finally…
The Winged Moon are open for submissions on the theme of Biophilia until the 2nd of July. More details here.

Next Week’s Read

  • Title: Midden Witch
  • Poet: Fiona Benson

Take it easy and stay poetic, I’ll catch you next week.

Paul

The Book Bag: I Am Not Light by Louise Machen

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

What a couple of weeks I’ve had. A trip to the Lakes including taking in Sizergh Castle, Levens Hall and Hill Top, home of Beatrix Potter. Also, my better half and I, celebrated our 15th Wedding Anniversary, I’ve hosted Top Tweet Tuesday, launched The Book Bag: Concealed Pockets, hosted Write Here, Right Now and submitted a couple of pieces and attended Regine Ebner’s online launch of Mountains That See In The Dark that was a delight and had some incredible guest readers. Oh, I was invited to read at a forthcoming launch as well which I’m very excited about and a little shocked.

On top of that, I’ve been reading;

I Am Not Light

  • Poet: Louise Machen
  • Press: Black Bough Poetry


I have been a fan of Louise Machen’s work for quite some time after seeing a few pieces online as part of Top Tweet Tuesday. I was especially drawn to the emotion she can weave throughout her poetry. When I found out Louise was slated for a full collection, I kept looking out for the release date. It arrived at the end of May and I ordered immediately. Again I’ve popped an eclectic playlist to listen to further down the page…

Evocative, emotive poetry is Louise’s poetic superpower. The book is filled with strong currents of defiance, conflict and resilience that energise the collection. The pieces ‘A Burnt Child Dreads the Fire’, ‘Becoming An Arborist’ ‘Familial Obligation’ and ‘Dirt’ are just some of the pieces full of impact that make you pause for breath.

Grief is a recurring theme. Not just for the dead but for the living and self. Poems such as ‘A Disremembering’, ‘People Disappear’ and ‘And Then, We Never Spoke Again’ are heartfelt pieces that land with every reading.

Poems throughout the book are relatable, with scenes set so vividly that they feel tangible and immersive. While reading ‘The Queen of Sheba’ I was there, watching the events unfold from the narrator’s perspective, synapses and senses working in unison.  

Aside from the poems grounded in life, readers are treated to broader settings. ‘El Corazon’ transports to the cosmos and back again.

Imagery sets the scene perfectly throughout. Urban reality is displayed sharply and keenly in the pieces ‘1989’ and ‘The Playground’. Then we have pieces such as ‘Dawning’ and ‘A Defunct Radio Station on A Cliff Edge’ which contain stark, rugged coastal beauty.

Nature is in integral throughout but used in various ways and depictions. ‘Moss’, ‘Truth-Telling’ ‘Nightingale’ and ‘Amazonite’ are all great examples.

Form is played with throughout. Contemporary haiku makes an appearance in the piece ‘Shore-bound’. ‘In Pursuit Of Edges’ uses double column formatting to accentuate the delivery. ‘Words Never Spoken’ is a piece that uses space on the page to great effect. I should also mention ‘Splinters’ that discusses the role of narrator in Louise’s work. A tremendous piece.

This is a collection that is intimate drawing you into a swell of emotion and poetic mastery. It has broad appeal for lovers of evocative poetry who appreciate expert use of language and vivid imagery. It’s already been nominated by Black Bough for a Forward Prize. A cracking collection that overflows with quality. Buy it here.

Find out more about Louise Machen including other publications here.

Playlist

Oasis – Cigarettes and Alcohol
Ocean Colour Scene – The Riverboat Song
Massive Attack – Teardrop
Fleetwood Mac – Landslide
Cher – Just Like Jesse James
Salt + Pepa – Push It
Deacon Blue – Dignity
Madonna – Who’s That Girl
The Verve – Bitter Sweet Symphony
Garbage – Special
Blondie – Maria
Stevie Nicks – Edge of Seventeen
Queen – The Show Must Go On
Elton John – I’m Still Standing
Taylor Dayne – Tell It To My Heart
Sam Fender – People Watching


Favourite Poem:

Again a collection this packed, I have to choose more than one. ‘I Am Not Light’, followed by ‘The Tenth Muse’, ‘Rebel Glow’ and ‘Cherry Bakewell For The Fire Gods’.

One More Thing…

Louise Machen recently hosted Top Tweet Tuesday with a prompt to respond to the title poem from I Am Not Light. You can read my response here.

And Another…

A busy week for Louise. On Sunday she has an audiobook being released alongside Shakquile, Noor Iman & Culain Wood called ‘Which Way The Words Grow’. Available on all major platforms.

And Another…

Vikki C. is the current featured Silver Branch Writer on Black Bough Poetry. Read her captivating work here where you can also learn how she crafts her writing.

And Another…

A couple of weeks ago, I visited BBC Newcastle and recorded some poetry for BBC Upload. I’ll be sharing my experience next weekend. In the meantime you can listen here.

And Finally…

Have you been keeping up to date with The Book Bag: Poetic Voices? A new poem from Matthew MC Smith was added yesterday and is poignant and highly relevant. Read the poem here.

Next Week’s Read

  • Title: Lode
  • Poet: Gillian Allnutt

Take it easy and stay poetic, I’ll catch you next week.

Paul

The Book Bag: East Of The Sun, West Of The Moon by Taz Rahman

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.

Taz has a website over at https://tazrahman.blogspot.com/ where he regularly shares updates and news.

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.

Paul