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\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n This beautifully judged pamphlet explores the complexities of a personal relationship with British drinking culture and those who inhabit it.\u00a0 The subject of alcohol for poets is not a new one, and the influence of alcohol on poets has been well-documented, but this slim volume does something refreshingly original with its subject matter.\u00a0 Herdman introduces us to a cast of diverse characters to explore the ups and downs of alcohol, including the idea that its attraction might run in families.\u00a0 Her carefully chosen words are non-judgemental.\u00a0 Empathy, affection and humour bubble under the surface of every poem.<\/p>\n There are so many standout poems it\u2019s tricky to select just a few.\u00a0 There\u2019s much to enjoy in Yes <\/em>which contains both sly humour and sexiness, a trademark of Herdman\u2019s poetry.\u00a0 An off-licence employee is described as \u2018not beautiful\u2019<\/em>, but a tempter all the same with his cheap bottle of pink fizz, \u2018so yes, I<\/em> will run away with you\/at least as far\/as the bins round the back\/with the rest of the bottle<\/em>.\u2019<\/p>\n She\u2019s not herself<\/em> is a delicate portrait of an intriguing woman, \u2018take her hand and see stars\/gather round her head like midges\u2019<\/em> exhorts Herdman.\u00a0 It is lines like this which show Herdman at her most insightful, skilfully drawing us into a more complete understanding of a world full of spontaneity and the crippling highs and lows of dependency.<\/p>\n At the heart of the work are poems which evoke the narrator\u2019s relationship with her alcohol-dependent father, now deceased.\u00a0 In Drinking Partner, <\/em>a poignant meditation on loss and absence, a glass of Bells is left out \u2018like kids,\/I hope, still do for Father Christmas. It makes\/the morning smell of you.<\/em>\u00a0 This image is so apposite, it still brings a lump to the throat even after many re-readings.\u00a0 In My Father\u2019s Cough,<\/em> age brings increased empathy as a bout of bronchitis makes the narrator want to \u2018cough my heart up.\u00a0 I want to get to the bit where I find him\/on the garden bench,\/tea steaming in weak sun,\/the first fag of the day settling his chest.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em>A particularly striking poem is Mes Braves.<\/em>\u00a0 Who hasn\u2019t cringed at the sight of groups of young girls heading off clubbing in skimpy clothes on freezing nights?\u00a0 Herdman turns these thoughts on their head with a praise poem, \u2018It\u2019s freezing wet and for you it\u2019s June.\/You make a mirrorball out of the rain.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n Herdman\u2019s language is clear, striking and effective.\u00a0 Each word is carefully chosen for maximum impact.\u00a0 Images are used sparingly, thus packing a stronger punch.\u00a0 Each line-break is carefully considered to draw the reader through an expertly controlled flow of language.\u00a0 The varied poetic forms and attention to pacing are a masterclass in how a pamphlet should be put together.\u00a0 I urge you to read this, to learn more about temptation, love, chance and familial affection and, above all, to join this cast of finely drawn drinkers, albeit temporarily, perhaps even soberly, in their colourful and wholly engaging world.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n