The Fiction Shelf

A brave narrative poem that deals honestly with issues of fundamentalism, placing them – vitally – in a human context. The poetic voice, like the protagonist – and like his brother who we never hear – is nervous but determined. An important, modern piece of writing.

A short lyric poem that reads like a warning, grown of bitter experiences. The meter and rhyme combine to enhance the sharpness of the tight wording and punctuate the meaning.

A brief, intimate poem about a close moment shared. Sentimental and sensual, this poem revels in the tactile nature of relationships.

Childish absent‐mindedness and the lack of a reason, incomprehensible to adult ears, form the basis of this oddly‐touching and humorous short story. A quirky tale whose peculiar subject is matched with an out‐the‐ordinary narrative that remains engaging and entertaining.

A poem that, for all its personal intentions, is intensely physical. It reads like an attempt to describe intangible feelings through vision, touch and sight and is aesthetically very accomplished.

In this piece the writer captures the breathless pace of modern urban living and pairs it with the single minded consumerist selfishness of its main protagonist. The piece follows a day in the life of Jon, a have it all city worker struggling to maintain multiple relationships, multiple addictions and a veneer of professionalism. In style it owes much to British writing on the post modern condition and captures it in its ugliest light.

With similar themes to Latin elegy like Ovid and Catullus, this poem accurately and honestly examines the dichotomy of love.

A short tale that captures the giddiness and excitement of the ‘chase’, the elation of getting that first laugh and the fall towards love – but also cautions against the blurred perceptions offered by alcohol.

In this short, unconventional family drama, the writer accurately captures the stress of managing an ensemble cast in a crowded relationship. When it gets too much, the hapless Eric must leave. But running away means leaving everything.

A strong narrative voice leads the reader deep into a tale of broken hearts, broken people, and broken relationships. Pooh Brooch is a short but affecting snip of a story, offering a brief and vivid window into two lives.