Into the crystal screen, The Wintered Queenwith heart encased in ice, gazes:begins to dance throughout the changing scenewhile rain, rooftops and pavements glazes Glides over a bridge above the Tynewith a familiar strangermirror upon mirror intertwinedKing into Queen, St Nicholas to Grainger A mirage or a vision, carousel appears before them - hoverswith fairytale cast, and,... Continue Reading →
Book Reviews: ‘River Ghosts’ by Merril D. Smith and ‘Perceptions’ by Ivor Steven and Derrick Knight
If you are looking for some recommended reading, I have the following book reviews for you from Merril D. Smith, and Ivor Steven/Derrick Knight. Curl up with a cup of coffee and read on... River Ghosts by Merril D. Smith This delightful volume of over 50 original poems is Merril's debut poetry collection, published by... Continue Reading →
Reading, ‘On Framwellgate Bridge In Late December’
In preparation for the release of Archery In The UK on 1 February 2023, it is my honour to present a series of readings from the book. In today's video, I read 'On Framwellgate Bridge In Late December' by Nick Reeves. I hope you enjoy the reading, which should provide a taster of the beautiful... Continue Reading →
Archery In The UK: Release Date 1 February 2023!
Happy New Year to all of my readers! I wish you all the success and wellbeing you hope for in 2023. For me, there is no better way to start the New Year than with the announcement that Archery In The UK will be released on 1 February 2023. About the book I have always... Continue Reading →
‘Atlantic Beadlet Anemone’ published in FVR Magazine
I found jewels in a barnacled crevicewithin the cracked rocks on Cullercoats beachteetering close to the pools like a novicesaltwater gems within reach... Thank you to editor Kristiana for publishing my poem and photograph in Issue VIII of Free Verse Revolution. The title of this issue is Guinevere (Rebirth) and it is available now for... Continue Reading →
The EIF Holiday Sale!
'Tis the season, once again, and the time of festivities is upon us. Far be it from me to say anything as corny as 'give the gift of books,' but, you know, books do make great gifts, especially beautifully crafted books of heartfelt poetry from some of your favourite authors! With this in mind, all... Continue Reading →
Archery In The UK launches early 2023!
What a year it has been for EIF, with four new titles published, and many more commissioned for 2023: the presses have barely stood still! I am about to take a much-needed break for the festive season (though I may post the odd poem or book review, I'm aiming to disconnect for the next 3... Continue Reading →
‘Mom and I Play Lassos with Our Hysterectomy Scars’ Reading
Today, it is an honour to share Barbara Harris Leonhard's reading of her Pushcart nominated poem, 'Mom and I Play Lassos with Our Hysterectomy Scars.' It is a direct, fearless and moving poem, but I will let Barbara speak for herself: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiBtEK_9OPI Thank you to everyone who has bought and reviewed books in the EIF... Continue Reading →
“Mom and I Play Lassos with Our Hysterectomy Scars” Nominated for a Pushcart Prize!
It is my pleasure to announce that I have nominated Barbara Harris Leonhard's poem, "Mom and I Play Lassos with Our Hysterectomy Scars" for a Pushcart Prize. The poem is from Three-Penny Memories: A Poetic Memoir, published by EIF in October 2022. I chose this particular poem because, although it forms an integral part of... Continue Reading →
I Long to Belong…
I long to be long in your armsin your hand-holdmy lovehow I long to belong I long to be boldwith your charmsmeasured tenfoldmy lovehow I long to be bold I love to be lovedby your caresses blessedhow I love to be lovedmy beloved So I’m ending my songwith a kiss and a blessingI waitwhere I long... Continue Reading →