Some pre-orders for ‘A year on the back of an envelope’ have started to trickle in, so I thought now would be a good time to share one of the 19 poems in the collection. An extract from ‘February flood’ is sampled on the back cover of the book so it seems the most obvious choice! For those familiar with my previous work, I also think it shows the development in style and content matter in these new poems.

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February flood

Yesterday the meadow was under brown water
That had spilled over from a night’s rain.
Still but for where the true river flowed, fast and plain.

I stood at the edge and felt its calm cold on my face.
One of many gathered to gaze in awe
At the drowning of a familiar place.

Today, the meadow is green again
With a few large, diluted mud pools
Made no brighter or lighter in reflecting grey cloud schools.

We are dotted along the half-drained path,
Lone walkers, pairs, dogs locked in play-flight,
In wellies, walking boots, wet trainers—coats drawn tight.

The river touched no houses, homes, or roads when it broke,
So we can find fun in the squelch of the muck.
We can breathe wonder at chilly February flood
And its dragged up dregs of river mud.

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Pre-order your copy of A year on the back of an envelope on the homepage of this site.