Welcome to the second instalment of a new feature as part of The Book Bag. Poetic Voices will feature a different poet every month. This feature aims to platform and showcase exemplary work from writers I admire across the poetic landscape and will run concurrently with the regular weekly episodes of The Book Bag where I’ll still be sharing thoughts on books I’ve read in the week.
This month, I am delighted to share this writer’s work. Someone who I have enjoyed following since I began writing poetry (‘The Craft’ was one of the first books I read to help my style and approach), I am delighted to announce that the featured poetic voice for August 2025 is … Rishi Dastidar.
Credit: Naomi Woodis
Rishi Dastidar’s poetry has been published by the Financial Times, New Scientist and the BBC, amongst many others. His third collection, Neptune’s Projects (Nine Arches Press), was longlisted for the Laurel Prize, and a poem from it was included in The Forward Book of Poetry 2024. He is also editor of The Craft: A Guide to Making Poetry Happen in the 21st Century (Nine Arches Press), and co-editor of Too Young, Too Loud, Too Different: Poems from Malika’s Poetry Kitchen (Corsair). He reviews poetry for The Guardian and is chair of Wasafiri. His latest publication is A hobby of mine (Broken Sleep Books).
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing pages from Rishi’s latest book ‘A Hobby Of Mine’ available from Broken Sleep here. Our first instalment is from page 9.
The next instalment of Rishi’s hobbies will be added on August 10th 2025.
Here we are as promised, taking in some more of Rishi’s hobbies from his book A Hobby Of Mine. You can find more on Rishi at his website here which includes links to his socials including Instagram, which is consistently great to follow. Without further ado….
So here I am a day late (due to technical issues) to share a third list of Rishi’s hobbies as part of this months Poetic Voice from his latest collection ‘A Hobby Of Mine’ available from Broken Sleep here. This list comes from page 37.
I have laughed so hard at some of these hobbies that ‘a hobby of mine’ is reading Rishi’s book and pointing out similar hobbies! Thanks Rishi!
Welcome back to The Book Bag. I hope you’ve had a poetic week.
I’ve had a slower week this week. Shared a video of me reading one of my poems on social media, visited the Northern Poetry Library on Monday, sent some submissions off and spent some time on my my own writing. On Saturday evening I was able to see some incredible poetry at Louis Longson’s last Saturday of the month poetry readings. Also I went out for lunch with my team from work to a great Asian place.
On top of that, I’ve been reading;
Black Skies Die Starless
Poet: Jamie Woods
Press: Punk Dust Poetry
Black Skies Die Starless is a pamphlet that I became aware of on a recent Black Bough open mic when Jamie read a couple of pieces. This week there’s no playlist from me, instead, the collection has suggested listening. Some class tracks in there too. Lets jump in…
One of Jamie Woods’s best strengths is the weaving of pop-culture references throughout his work that is more than just surface-level soundbite. Pieces including ‘The 90S’ and ‘are the perfect examples of this. In fact, the poem ‘The Perpetual Illusion of Progress’ stands out for its sharp, smart observations of 90s culture. Thankfully things do seem to have moved on. The piece ‘I’ve Found God In Seattle’ is a clever piece on irony and perception.
Another strength is emotional honesty and depth. The grief poem ‘Sleep’ is heart-wrenching with a sucker punch of a closing line. The poem ‘Wednesday Afternoons Bromley HighStreet’ is intimate as we peer into a therapy room. Blame culture is displayed perfectly here through interaction and steps to self-actualisation also shown. The pivots are placed perfectly. ‘The Opposite of Spring’ is a terrifically crafted poem rich with contrast.
Vivid imagery runs throughout the collection. From the underbelly of the parks doing substances in the piece ‘Swinging’ to racing the streets in ‘Beat-Up Micra’ and the longing to escape in ‘Swansea Sound’ these poems were resonant, and I could picture these in Northumberland mining towns I grew up in.
Throughout the book, readers are treated to a variety of different forms and styles. The prose poem ‘Through Neon Half-Lights’ was a very clever choice as it gives a rounded feel to the piece. Then in ‘You And No-One Else’ the use of separators is a great representation of the message being conveyed and interacts with the piece.
Another thing to mention is the interspersal of graphics throughout the book. The paparazzi piece was a stop and reflect moment but for a completely different reason because while that event was happening, another horrific event was happening closer to home.
Favourite Poem:
More than a few to choose from so let’s settle on five just from what I’ve been thinking of today: Through Neon Half-Lights, Manic Pixie Dream Boy, (Atrophia), On Mount Horeb, and Heaven 17.
Black Skies Die Starless will appeal to readers who want to revisit the nostalgia of the 90s through a different gaze, fans of poetic authenticity and admirers of sharp observational poetry. A masterful collection and so glad I encountered Jamie reading this at the recent Black Bough open mic.
Learn more about Jamie Woods and access the playlist that accompanies the book, here.
Buy Black Skies Die Starless here (I got a bookmark and a couple of pin badges in my delivery, excellent poetry merch). All proceeds go to Leukaemia Care UK. Jamie is their poet-in-residence.
One More Thing…
An important new platform has launched on Substack. We Are The Chorus: Poetry of Witness is a new collaborative project that aims to share poems of protest and witness, and to encourage discussion, inquiry, and action around these themes. There will be an initial gallery of 12 with 1-2 poems shared weekly followed by a pause to allow reflection and to encourage further conversation.
And Another…
There is still time to enter the Katrina Collins Poetry Prize which closes on 1st August 2025 for Best Single Poem. See full details of the prize dedicated to Katrina Collins, mum of the exceptionally kind and ultra talented Briony Collins who is EIC of Atomic Bohemian, here.
And Finally…
Less than a week to go until the Poetic Voice for August is released on The Book Bag. Alarms should be set for noon on Friday 1st August.
Next Week’s Read
Title: The Oasis
Poet: Charles Lang
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 very busy, a bit tiring but exhilarating. A late-night reading on Tuesday at the North Bay Poetics showcase of Alan Parrys work on the theme of masculinity, it was an honour to be asked. On Wednesday I attended an excellent event featuring Len Pennie reading from Poyums and forthcoming Poyums Annaw with an open mic section in Jesmond. I read three poems and felt I done okay. On Thursday it was another instalment of Write Here, Right Now which was very insightful and collaborative. I’ve also had chance to work on some of my own writing and editing.
On top of that, I’ve been reading;
Cupid, Grown
Poet: Adam Panichi
Press: Broken Sleep Books
I picked up a copy of Cupid, Grown at an event held at my work where local independent sellers were, well, selling. I was lucky to buy the last poetry book from the indie bookseller who said they’d sold more pamphlets and collections than expected which is always a good thing. So without further ado, let’s dive in, also another playlist at the end of this post.
Evocative imagery is a major highlight of this collection displayed throughout. Poems including ‘Bathhouse’ and ‘Concrete Quarterly’ are both vivid, physical and philosophical. ‘Following A Mild Electric Shock I Think Of England’ is a very clever piece also.
Throughout the collection, there are many visceral pieces. The poem ‘Cotton-Collared Mafiosi’ is stark, raw and unflinching. It made me reflect and revisit things I endured and reconcile myself. ‘Snow’ is an exquisite piece of writing on self and masculinity. ‘The Boys Are Killing Their Sims On The Family PC’ (after Andrew McMillan) is a tour de force in referencing and subverting pop-culture through poetry.
Talking of references, the poem ‘Lilac Bushes’ gets a special mention here. Once I read it, and read it again, I looked up the subject then reread it again. A really sharply crafted piece.
There are some truly delicate moments in this book. Pieces including ‘Carciofi’ and ‘Cloth Mother’ give a glimpse into maternal security and admiration. They are resonant, and, in ‘Carciofi’ the use of Italian and the rich depiction of the kitchen and produce is exceptional. I must also mention the intimacy of ‘Tender’, a beautiful poem.
For fans of styles and forms, there are a multitude used in the book. In the poem ‘Slow Erasure of the Author’ there is the blacking out of words mid-line followed by a tremendous and large scale use of white space. The found piece ‘The Interior Of A Heart’ uses text from The Scarlet Letter by Nigel Hawthorne and is printed in original form which adds to the style of the piece and quality of the book itself. The piece ‘White Soft Paraffin’ uses a / in line breaks elevating the emphasis of the language.
Favourite Poem:
A few to choose from this week so in no order; ‘Flight Feathers’, ‘Lilac Bushes’, ‘Carciofi’, and ‘Cupid, Grown’.
This book will appeal to readers who like raw, honest and unflinching poetry that explores identity and love and relationships. If you like sharp observations and excellent use of language, this will be for you also. A gem of a book.
To find out more about Adam Panichi and to buy Cupid, Grown click here.
As promised, here’s a small playlist to go with this weeks pamphlet;
Amy Winehouse – Cupid David Guetta & Kelly Rowland – When Love Takes Over Pet Shop Boys – Love Comes Quickly Bruce Springsteen – Dancing In The Dark Mario Lanza & Constantine Callinicos – Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise Fatboy Slim – Weapon Of Choice Years & Years – Shine Verna Felton – Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo Ludovica Einaudi – Eros
One More Thing…
Not long to go until August’s Poetic Voice is announced and I am tremendously happy to be featuring this poet. The feature will drop at Noon on August 1st. Unfortunately issues outside of my control meant July’s feature did not land.
And Another…
On 5th August 2025, come along to the launch of Beautiful Little Fools on Zoom with Open Mic. Will I be drinking cocktails? Maybe. Will I be wearing a velvet jacket? Maybe. Will there be glitzy poetry to hear? Definitely. Details here.
And Finally…
I’ll be taking a plunge this week and posting a reading on Instagram. Find me using @paulwritespoems. Give me a watch, even if its to laugh at my amateurishness!
Next Week’s Read
Title: Dark Skies Die Starless
Poet: Jamie Miller
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, this week started well with Sunday Evening’s Black Bough Open Mic and it’s carried through a sense of contentment and ease throughout. I’ve enjoyed some sunny weather, attended Louise Machen’s online launch which was excellent. I celebrated a year since Neath Poetry Party, which also means a year since escaping my previous job and employer. I also had some time to work on writing. Also, started a very special top secret collaboration project.
On top of that, I’ve been reading;
Modern Poetry
Poet: Diane Seuss
Press: Graywolf Press in USA, Fitzcarraldo Editions in UK
I had not read a Diane Seuss collection previously to reading Modern Poetry, so I had no preconceptions (or real knowledge of her status) and picked this up in the bookshop on the aesthetic of the cover. The caveat to this is, I had read some of her pieces in anthologies.
In the book, Music plays a key role. Not just in the lyrical quality of the writing but also in terms of points of reference. Many of the poems have a musical connection as a title. From ‘Ballad’ to ‘Pop Music’ to ‘Rhapsody’ and more, are all lyrical in their language.
One thing Seuss does not lack is humour. Poems including ‘Untitled’ and ‘Ballad From The Soundhole of An Unstrung Guitar’, I found to be very unflinchingly sharp. ‘Little Fugue with Jean Seberg and Tupperware’ had me chuckling away so fully that it drew a few funny looks from passers-by.
Introspection is a consistent theme in the collection. None of which is handled in a cliched style but with honesty and humour. Pieces including ‘Penetralium’, ‘Little Refrain’ and ‘Threnody’ are just some of the terrific examples of this. Aside from introspection, Seuss is not afraid of sharp extrospection; for poems showcasing this skill, read the poems ‘Simile’ and ‘Ballad That Ends with Bitch’.
Another integral part of Diane Seuss’s writing is her compassion. ‘An Aria’ shows this expertly as does the tremendous ‘Monody’.
Diane Seuss won the Pulitzer for Poetry marking her as a lauded and revered poet despite coming from a working-class background and beginning her poetry journey through self-education and learning. This takes centre stage in the poem ‘My Education’ and the title poem of the book ‘Modern Poetry’ (one of my favourites). Another of my favourite pieces, ‘Poetry’ examines what the nature of poetry is to the reader and writer. Hopefully my poetry is poetry. I think it is and that’s what counts. Right?
This collection really spoke to me on several levels. I know people have compared Diane Seuss to Bukowski (whose work I enjoy for its gritty, grimy starkness) yet with more humanity, however I think this does both a disservice as both are exceptional without comparison and distinctive. In the collection there is raw honesty and understanding. The discussions on building and establishing yourself as a poet coming from a humble background with minimal knowledge or access, questioning what actually poetry is and why we write is real and relatable. The collection also gave me some good references of people to read (and some to avoid). I now need to track down more of Diane Seuss’s work – if anyone is selling any of her previous collections or wants to send me one let me know! Or if you want to recommend another Seuss collection, I’d be grateful.
Buy this book if you like unflinching honesty, humour, enjoy lyrical poetry and sharp observations on poetry and poets as well as humanity. Tremendous.
Favourite Poem: I could list about 15-20 in this collection however I’ll stick to five. ‘Poetry’, ‘Modern Poetry’ ‘Allegory’, ‘Weeds’ and ‘Bluish’ are the ones in my mind right now.
Here’s an accompanying eclectic playlist which but nobody asked for but probably secretly hoped for:
The Who – My Generation The Eagles – Hotel California Kate Bush – Wuthering Heights Elton John – I’m Still Standing Eminem – Lose Yourself Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – Where The Wild Roses Grow PJ Harvey – Angelene Alanis Morrisette – Ironic Fleetwood Mac – Go Your Own Way Dave Brubeck – Take 5 Simon & Garfunkel – The Sound Of Silence Skunk Anansie – Weak Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody Janis Joplin – Me and Bobby McGee
One More Thing…
Beautiful Little Fools is available to purchase. I received my copy this week and the quality of the writing and the produced book is top class. Also, at one point in the week it was up to number 6 in the Anthology bestseller chart on Amazon. Buy it here. If you’d like to come along to the online launch and open mic, details are here.
And Another…
If you haven’t listened to A Thousand Shades of Green special for The Whiskey Tree: Untamed Love, Wave 2 you are missing out. Find it here.
And Another…
Karen Pierce Gonzalez is hosting Alan Parry reading poems from Oh Man!, work on masculinity, on 15th July 2025 at 3-4pm PST (11pm UK time). I’ll be reading too. If you’d like to be in the audience, contact northbaypoetics.net or DM Karen on BlueSky for the zoom link.
And Finally…
Victoria Spires, writer of Soi-Meme, is part of a Salo Press showcase taking place on Zoom on 25th July from 7pm. Hosted by the great Vanessa Napolitano, other readers include Karan Chambers and Wendy Allen. Seek out Victoria on social media to get a link to the event.
Next Week’s Read
Title: Cupid Grown
Poet: Adam Panichi
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. An open mic on Thursday, was a highlight although I could only stay for the first half. I submitted a couple of pieces to some really good magazines, had a tussle with Submittable and had a lovely rejection. I finished an audiobook that felt like it was unfolding in real time in places. Work is busy, and enjoyable and I’ve been able to work on a new project. I did find some time to get a long overdue haircut. On Sunday evening (tonight, 6th July), I’ll be reading at the Black Bough open mic.
On top of that, I’ve been reading;
Midden Witch
Poet: Fiona Benson
Press: Cape Poetry
Let me address something. This is the first time I’d read a collection by Fiona Benson in full, so I came into this review with only my appreciation for her work that I’d read in anthologies and online.
Midden Witch is divided into sections each titled with links to witchery, for example, ‘Discovery of Witchcraft’ and ‘Familiars’. There are micropoems on each division page, which feel like bonus material.
Language is a major strength of Fiona Benson. As this is a collection steeped in witchcraft and magic and the perception of it, this is no major surprise but poems such as ‘Robin Goodfellow’ and ‘North Berwick Witch Trials’ are incredibly rich. In fact, some of the pieces felt like spells, especially ‘Song of The Riparian Zone’ (part ii of ‘Beaver Trial’).
A key theme throughout the book is how those in power have mistreated people, especially women in medieval times. Famous witches (yes I did my research and was shocked, SHOCKED by the accounts!) are referred to throughout such as ‘Jenny Greenteeth’. Poems including ‘Defamatio‘ showcase persecution. The reference to the church and the antaganost in the piece ‘Matthew Hopkins (Persecutor)’ is forthright and unapologetic.
There are some moments where I felt my heart crush and I had to pause reading, the impact was so intense. This was the case with ‘Charm For An Ailing Child’ . When you have such a strong emotional response when reading, you know a collection will stay with you.
Nature plays a major role in this collection. Fiona Benson creates exceptional imagery in pieces such as The symbiotic relationship between humans and nature is explored also. The poems ‘Lark Ascending’ and ‘Lilac Chaste-Tree’ are great examples of this and show completely opposite approaches. However, ‘Moss’ for me is the standout in this theme, partly as I am partial to it but mostly because it is exquisite.
There is plenty of wit and humour in the collection in different shades. ‘The Bill Against Conjurations And Wichecrafts And Sorcery And Enchantments, Henry VIII, 1541-2 Cut Up, Rearranged’ feels like a dark satire reimagining a law against Witchcraft signed by Henry VIII, a King known for his treatment of women.
Fiona Benson plays with form throughout. We have chaptered poems in ‘Babushka’. ‘Amy Duny’ reads like biographical prose with a great shift in the closing line. Tercets appear throughout, including in ‘Wisp’. Alignment and spacing is played with in the poem ‘Exorcism: Wild Horses’ adding further emphasis to the writing.
Favourite Poem:
There’s a few in Midden Witch that I returned to time and again this week. I’m picking fivesix seven today, but it could be a lot more. ‘Midden Witch’, ‘Patrick Swayze’, ‘Invention Of Opium’, ‘Leddy Lister’, ‘Accusatio’, ‘Charm For An Ailing Child’ and ‘Transformation: Galinthis’.
This collection will appeal to many. Witchcraft enthusiasts for one. Oh and people who agree that rules aren’t applied evenly to all genders, sexes and classes. It will appeal to poetry readers who love rich language, nature, various forms, myth, metaphor and realism. A bewitching collection.
What’s your favourite Fiona Benson poem or collection? Let me know in the comments.
I’m sharing another playlist today to accompany the reading;
Kate Bush – Babooshka Evanescence – Bring Me To Life Nina Simone – I Put A Spell on You Frank Sinatra – Witchcraft Donovan – Season of The Witch Stevie Nicks – Rhiannon Wardruna – Helvegen Siouxsie & The Banshees – Spellbound Aurora – Running With The Wolves Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes – The Time of My Life
One More Thing… It was great to see an exciting opportunity for poets who had attended or plan on attending one of the Black Bough Poetry ‘Crafting Your Year in Poetry’ workshops. I found this opportunity through subscribing to their newsletter. A terrific source of information including details of Louise Machen’s forthcoming online launch of I Am Not Light, a link to the new Silver Branch feature for July which celebrates a tremendously talented poet and artist, Oormila Vijayakrishnan Prahlad and details of their next ‘Crafting Your Year in Poetry’ workshop. Sign up to their newsletter here.
And Another… There is a new resource available to writers to get their work in front of new audiences through the Promote Indie Lit platform. If you know any writers who are looking to get their name out there for free, definitely direct them to https://promoteindielit.com. There are multiple opportunities and mediums for writers to have work shared including reviews (some will appear on The Book Bag), interviews, features and more.
And Another… The Broken Spine are launching a new workshop. Cut To The Bone is all about editing your poetry to its sharpest. Details here.
And Finally… Beautiful Little Fools is released on Monday July 7th 2025 exploring and responding to The Gilded Age. I’m very happy to have two pieces in the collection, sharing pages with some incredible poets. On Monday, go to Amazon and search Beautiful Little Fools. I’m sure Broken Spine will be sharing a link on Monday via their BlueSky social media.
Next Week’s Read
Title: Modern Poetry
Poet: Dianne Seuss
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. 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.
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.
Welcome back to The Book Bag. I hope you’ve had a poetic week.
This week has been a week. For starters, I’ve hurt my back and it’s limiting what I can do. But this week I shared an article on recently appearing on the BBC, sent out a couple of submissions, done some prep for next month’s Write Here, Right Now, we had some close friends visit us from Lincoln. We also harvested and ate some of the turnips from the garden.
On top of that, I’ve been reading;
Lode
Poet: Gillian Allnutt
Press: Bloodaxe Books
I was tipped off to Lode by Bloodaxe Books (as its NE based) and had pencilled in to read in July. However, I got myself a copy early, moved some dates around due to postage and decided to rad it this week and share my thoughts with you all. Also there’s a playlist below (just my recommendations).
Lode is divided into three sections. Postwar, Covid and Earth-hoard. We start in 2016 then time travel across generations throughout the book going back to late 40’s Britain all the way to modern day.
There are deeply personal pieces in this book. The poems dedicated and in memoriam of Gillian Allnutt’s father are full of emotional resonance. ‘Flame-thrower’ is an exceptionally crafted piece that gave me pause.
I’m familiar with most of the northern villages and towns mentioned throughout Lode. Therefore, when seeing names of places, I know in some of the poems, I could feel myself there enjoying sight, smell and sound memory concentrated even more so by Gillian Allnutt’s writing. ‘Dunstanburgh’, a conversation poem in the collection is home to a ruined castle and is a favourite walk of ours from Craster. In ‘My Father, Mislaid’, a moving piece, Gillian takes us to Chillingham, a place I’m very fond of.
There are threads of spirituality peppered throughout the collection. The poem ‘The Way She Remembered It’ is preceded by a quote from Song of Songs. In ‘Trist’ God is referred to again. In ‘At 71’ the poet reflects on Covid, mortality and loneliness. It’s a balanced poem of humour and sadness.
Nature plays a key role in the book both in terms of the landscape and fauna. ‘Dark Night of The Soul’ is an incredible piece that is both introspective and rich with natural imagery. As is the piece ‘Of The Trees In The Wood By The Old Pit Line’. I enjoyed ‘Golden Saxifrage’ as it combines wild nature, domestic lawnmowing and an online literature festival (saxifrage is one of my favourite plants especially the arctic variety for its resilience).
Wit is a constant through the collection. The poem ‘Azuma Meditation’ is a clever piece. Also ‘Audience’ will draw a smile where Gillian Allnutt is meeting Queen Elizabeth II when collecting her Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry in 2016.
Form-wise, we are treated to various forms and devices. There are micropoems including ‘Footnote’, I’ve mentioned ‘Dunstanburgh’ which is a poem in conversation script form. Some pieces including ‘Audience’ have an internal rhyme structure. There are couplet arranged pieces including ‘Pink Jenkins’ and ‘On Having To Leave York University Without The Clock’. I must also mention the notes section of the book. This gives extra emphasis to the pieces and context.
Favourite Poem: There’s a few that I must name. Crabapple Moon, The Walk (allowed) and The Song of Arachnid. I could add a few others including Beechwood, Do The Birds Worry? and Roughage.
To buy a copy of Lode direct from Bloodaxe Books, click here.
This Week’s Playlist:
Kathryn Tickell – Back to the Rede Mark Knopfler – Kingdom of Gold Exile – In Between Tides Lindisfarne – Kings Cross Blues Sting and The Police – Brand New Day Bearpark & Esh Colliery Band – Songs of the Tyne The Unthanks – Magpie Sam Fender featuring Easington Colliery Band – Remember my Name The Jam – London Calling
This is a book with broad appeal. It has heartfelt, emotive poetry, wit, excellent imagery and various forms. The book navigates shifts in time deftly and like a lode, this book is a journey. Now, I need to get my hands on more of Gillian Allnutt’s work to read.
One More Thing…
You can read my piece on appearing on the BBC here. If you’re a poet or writer looking to get your work out there, it may be worth a read.
And Another…
Black Bough Poetry has another Crafting Your Year In Poetry workshop coming up on 13th July, a great way to help get serious about your writing. Details here.
And Another…
It’s not long until the Frazzled Lit Short Story Competition Closes. Details here.
And Another…
Broken Spine Arts has a range of events coming up including open mics and workshops. Details can be found here.
And Finally…
The Beautiful Little Fools Anthology, published by Broken Spine Arts will be out Early July. This is a book in response to the Jazz Age. It’s hotter than a Gatsby party. More details soon.
Next Week’s Read
Title: Down River with Li Po
Poet: Karen Pierce Gonzalez
Take it easy and stay poetic, I’ll catch you next week.
I took a breath and uploaded a poem to the BBC Upload portal after hearing Helen Laycock and Chris Campbell had appeared on their respective BBC Upload shows previously. It felt like a big step for me in getting my poetry out there to a new audience…
First though, I searched BBC Sounds for BBC Upload, found the North East programme and listened to a lot of episodes over one weekend. Then I had to find out how BBC Upload works. Well it’s a platform to upload poetry, comedy, stories and other content (not music) to the BBC Upload service region your work links to. In total I listened to about 10 episodes over a weekend on BBC Sounds . I loved the clowns/cabaret act interview.
Then I realised I had to make a video to upload. I used some footage from a recent trip to Alnwick Garden and recorded a voiceover of my poems ‘Taihaku Joypiloting at Alnwick Garden’. I did my best to make it presentable using my mobile phone which was just a case of trial and error. And back to taking the the breath and the uploading of the file from the beginning of this post. Confirming I want to proceed then waiting on tenterhooks to see if I could catch the attention of the producers.
A few days later, I got a very warm and friendly email from Emma Millen at BBC North East & Cumbria who curates the BBC Upload for Newcastle and Tees stations for BBC Sounds. Emma offered me an opportunity to go into the studio for a chat about my poetry, and to record some of my work.
On a sunny Friday, I put on one of my best shirts and pair of jeans, shook off some nervous excitement and made my way to BBC Newcastle Studios with the book bag in tow.
When I arrived I was a bit slapstick trying to open every entry door until I buzzed the receptionist who let me in and sorted my visitor badge out. I got to see a TARDIS in the foyer while I waited. Emma collected me and I was taken for my interview in one of the radio station studios. It felt a bit surreal at first, I won’t lie.
Emma and I had a chat where she made me feel really comfortable talking and sharing my work. Then in a flash I’d had been recorded and I was headed home to enjoy the rest of the sunshine.
The episode aired on Saturday 14th June on BBC Radio Newcastle and BBC Radio Tees. Here is a clip of me reading a couple of poems. I’m chuffed to bits with the edit, not to mention Sam Fender – People Watching was the song after my final piece on the radio. I was buzzing. I celebrated with a pink gin and tonic.
The whole process from start to finish was handled so well and I will (hopefully if they’ll have me back) share more work on the platform. It’s a great way to showcase your work and reach a broader audience.
I thoroughly enjoyed my experience and am truly grateful for the opportunity. Stepping out of the comfort zone every now and then is worthwhile and I would recommend more people try it.
For next time (if there is a next time) I’ll be a bit more organised and stick with the pieces I had originally planned to read because I changed my mind at the last minute.
Huge thanks to Emma for having me on and making me feel calm and relaxed as I could be. Her energy is infectious and that really helped.
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.
I’m going to be opening the Concealed Pockets of The Book Bag every now and then. First up, my thoughts on Sonnet Restaurant.
A couple of weeks ago, my wife and I visited Sonnet Restaurant, a 14-seater restaurant that serves a 14-course tasting menu across a few hours in Alnwick, Northumberland where all diners eat at the same time. Food x Poetry = a dream for me. This was a belated promotion / early anniversary celebration.
I could go on and on about the food however, I will simply state it was excellent, (Michelin and Conde Naste both agree) and we’ll be visiting again for a smaller lunch soon.
The experience was incredible, from the service which was friendly and attentive without being over the top and the wine flight paired perfectly with the courses.
This is a perfect place to eat when visiting Northumberland and I highly recommend if you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion. The space is intimate and bright and ends itself perfectly to relaxed fine dining.
A great finishing touch was the song ‘Sonnet’ by The Verve playing at the end of the meal. Another great detail was the course guide that was rolled into a scroll.
As sonnets go, the restaurant is comparable to Shakespeare’s 18th Sonnet. A marvel.
Hope you enjoyed this 14-line ( as it appears on laptop) response.
Stay tuned for more bits and pieces as I open more of The Book Bag’s Concealed Pockets.
Paul Writes Poems 