by Helen Ivory | Dec 1, 2018 | Reviews
‘The Man Who Wasn’t Ever Here’ begins with a useful scene-setting in prose, and a mystery – perhaps two. Thomas Ovans, the poet’s grandfather, was born in County Leitrim, moved to Middlesbrough to work in the shipyards and married a local woman, went to...
by Helen Ivory | Nov 30, 2018 | 2018 poetry picks, Prose & Poetry
We observe this word, abscission turn fashionable, hang in air. Once botanists’ part-property, at least cased in scientific sights; now – in this most now of times – it’s ours. Perhaps this year holds terms longer, closer than is usual. Leaves in...
by Helen Ivory | Nov 29, 2018 | Prose & Poetry
Coupling with Jane Austen Even so. You would be surprised, although perhaps you had surmised, to hear how often I watched you, sometimes I was positive you knew how often I was on the point of falling down on your bed and crawling in with you. I have...
by Helen Ivory | Nov 28, 2018 | Prose & Poetry
Conjure There are no horses in the field opposite, only a pale stubble cut to the quick. No, there are no horses, but I can conjure them, their autumn coats, the brisk shiver of sinewed necks in the stippled mist that clings like breath. I do not...
by Helen Ivory | Nov 27, 2018 | Prose & Poetry
Rapids When he got kicked out in second year for smoking hash on the Astroturf, relief heaved from everyone’s throat. No longer would we have to fear his ape-like strut, fists’ basalt salvo, rain-grey tracksuit, knife-like stare. There were lads...