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.

A narrative, almost didactic poem whose wandering descriptions match excellently the exotic backdrop and brooding plot.

A poem that revels in its disorder. A memory written as furiously as the time lived. Brief and sharp, this work is beautiful in its honesty.

With an exceptional ear and a near Turner‐esque mastery of landscape, the poet crafts an image of Grey Seals in a Scottish Loch. Rich and steeped in imagery, this poem is one to read more than once.

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.

Frustration is drawn throughout this poem. There’s no attempt at an answer, nor does the work preach, but disappointment with the world is conveyed by stark and direct words.

A meandering, pensive poem whose structure matches perfectly with the direction of the voice’s thoughts. In few words, it deals with youth and old age and challenges us to think on what is between.

An honest, lyric sonnet whose simple imagery captures excellently the gentle expectations of youth and the desire to reclaim them for the present.