Category: Poetry

Ten Poems about Flowers

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Ten Poems about Flowers

Summary:

A bouquet is a welcome and beautiful thing, but the beauty is inevitably short-lived. This delightful mini-anthology, however, is guaranteed never to wither. Roses, fritillaries, daisies, gentians and the humble ragwort are celebrated here by poets ranging from Mimi Khalvati to William Wordsworth.

We experience their colours and scents in vivid language, so each lives on the page with all the intensity of a real flower. Sometimes it seems we can even learn from them.

My Review:

I am delighted to bring you one of the latest poetry pamphlets from Candlestick Press. Ten Poems about Flowers is now available to order through their website (details below).

Flowers bring joy in many forms whether it is a beautiful form garden in the summer or a bouquet of flowers to a loved one on a special occasion. These flowers however may only have a limited time, however poems about flowers can last a lifetime.

With poems by such names as John Clare, William Wordsworth, Helen Dumore as well as DH Lawrence bring colour to every page. My personal favourite is City Lilacs by Helen Dumore

“Lilac, like love, makes no distinction.
It will open for anyone.
Even before love knows that it is love
lilac knows it must blossom.”

 The stunning cover design is by Angie Lewin. If you are buying a bouquet for a loved one, then Ten Poems about Flowers would make the perfect card to accompany the bouquet.

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Thank you to Candlestick Press for the review copies of Ten Poems About Flowers Now available to order through their website: Candlestick Press

Candlestick Press are a small independent publisher based in Nottingham and were founded in 2008. The team consists of four dedicated people in Di Slaney (Publisher), Kathy Towers (Assistant Editor) and two admin assistants. Their aim is simple to spread the joy of poetry to adults and children alike who love poetry and or may be just beginning their journey in to enjoying poetry. These small pamphlets are just ideal for bedtime reading or like I have been doing and that is enjoying them on journeys.

They have published so many of these beautiful pamphlets on a wide range of topics from Christmas to Cricket, from Dogs to Sheep and even Clouds and walking and even breakfast. These wonderful poetry pamphlets make the ideal

Christmas Poetry pamphlets from Candlestick Press

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Ten Poems about Snow Selected and Introduced by Carole Bromley

 

Summary:

The appeal of snow must have something to do with childhood – the excitement of waking up to a white world and placing our wellies into cold crunchiness. As adults we still feel the magic of snow’s hushed calm, which for a few days can slow down our hectic lives.

This mini anthology takes us on an enchanted journey through worlds of snow until we arrive, of course, in Robert Frost’s mysterious snowy woods. You’ll also find poems published here for the first time – winners and runners-up in our snow poem competition. Each offers a delightfully unexpected response:

“And I stood at the window and held the cat warm and purring
Heart to heart with me as we watched the snow fall

 My Review:

My childhood memories of snow are some of the happiest. Crazy snowball fights and dashing out of bed at the sight of morning snow to build a snowman. These memories we carry through our lives and we recall them when you need them most. Just reeased are two Christmas poetry pamphlets in time for the festive period that make the ideal christmas card.

Ten Poems about Snow selected and introduced by Carole Bromley we are seo reminded of those cold snowy winter days. From playing in the snow to those glitery winter snow globes. What is about waking to find snowfall and the world suddelny falls quiet. Is it me that just thinks that? Ten Poems that take us on a journey through the world of snow as seen and experienced through many eyes.

In Snow Day by Lucy Jeynes we are reminded that in one cubic foot of snow there are a billion snowflakes and each one unique. All is quiet and no sound of cars on the road. In When it Snowed by Kerry Darbishire there is Wordsworth skating in his black coat.

Each poem is a reminder of the beauty of snow and it changes the landscape. Don’t ask me to select a favourite as they are all just beautiful. This is just the perfect Christmas Card.

 

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Christmas Spirit – Ten Poems to Warm the Heart

 

Summary:

These ten specially commissioned poems celebrate the joy of Christmas in all its variety. Some evoke the bustle of untangling fairy lights, of shopping and cooking and opening presents, while others celebrate our more ancient seasonal traditions, such as collecting holly and ivy to bring into the house. And then, of course, there’s the mistletoe:

“I want to cry out, as Frigga did,
to the air and birds and new-found tenderness of
the world…
…Come, stand with me beneath these white berries of love.
Let me hold you, kiss you.”

from ‘The Golden Bough’ by Rosie Jackson

The poems remind us that amid the inevitable hurly burly there’s always time to pause and savour quiet moments. This joyful and heart-warming selection is guaranteed to add a sprinkle of beauty and delight to every Christmas.

 My Review

What does Christmas mean to you? It means different things to everyone of course. In Christmas Spirit: Ten Poems to Warm the Heart the poems celebrate the pure joy of christmas period.

We all know how busy we are at this time of year trying to find the perfect gifts for family and friends, celebrations with family and friends and yet with the year now old we are really supposed to be slowing down to enjoy Christmas but here are ten poems to just make us stop and remember how chirstmas should be. I love bringing the outside in with Holly and Mistletoe to decorate the living room. Each poem has been specially commissioned for the pamphlet to help us just remember this special time of year and to make us pause amid the rushing around the shops and enjoy just some quiet moments and realise what christmas should be about. Think of it as a little christmas sprinkle in a card.

Thank you to Candlestick Press for the review copies of Ten Poems About Snow and also Christmas Spirit. Both Now available to order through their website: Candlestick Press

Candlestick Press are a small independent publisher based in Nottingham and were founded in 2008. The team consists of four dedicated people in Di Slaney (Publisher), Kathy Towers (Assistant Editor) and two admin assistants. Their aim is simple to spread the joy of poetry to adults and children alike who love poetry and or may be just beginning their journey in to enjoying poetry. These small pamphlets are just ideal for bedtime reading or like I have been doing and that is enjoying them on journeys.

They have published so many of these beautiful pamphlets on a wide range of topics from Christmas to Cricket, from Dogs to Sheep and even Clouds and walking and even breakfast. These wonderful poetry pamphlets make the ideal gift to send to friends and loved ones. For more information, please visit the Candlestick Press website: Candlestick Press

New Titles from Candlestick Press

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Ten Poems about Childhood

Selected and Introduced by Mimi Khalvati

We all have memories about childhood or are reminded of our childhood by those that are close to us. Our childhood years make us become who we are. Sometimes I find looking at photos can suddenly take me back to one moment back then or a piece of music but also it is poetry that can reflect the childhood years really well.

One of the very latest poetry pamphlets by Candlestick Press is Ten Poems about Childhood. Selected and introduced by Mimi Khalvati. Ten wonderful poems that speak to us of childhood. Poems by Poems by Kayo Chingonyi, Jane Duran, Louise Glück, Seamus Heaney, Elizabeth Jennings, Mimi Khalvati, Hannah Lowe, James Merrill, Tracy K Smith and James Womack.

The poem The Railway Children by Seamus Heaney just reminded me of my young days sat watching the trains at a station. I was fascinated. What is Written by Jane Duran. The opening lines:

The way you look at your book:

crawl round, lie over it,

turn number of pages at a time

and sit and put your face down

to look deeply into the words,

These opening lines of the poem could by anyone of us when we were young. It was certainly me.

Ten Poems about Childhood available now to order through Candlestick Press.

 

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Ten Poems about Bees

 Introduced by Brigit Strawbridge Howard

Another of the latest of the poetry pamphlets is Ten Poems about Bees introduced by Brigit Strawbridge Howard is just sublime. Bees right now need our help.

The Honeybee provides us with that wonderful golden honey that we spread on our morning toast as well as many recipes. But just imagine a world without the bee? Too frightening to contemplate but the threat is more than just real. We are so closely intertwined with the bee.

There is even a poem by the nature writer Miriam Darlington called Beekeeper and it deserves to be read. As a child I was scared of bees as I did not understand them until I discovered nature and I became fascinated by the lives of bees, from the honeybee to the solitary bee each one so unique and wonderful. I have been stung far too many times so seeing the poem Stung by Heid E. Erdrich tells of a person being stung.

These poems are just delightful and ones to treasure. Ten Poems about Bees avaialble to order through Candlestick press.

 

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Thank you to Kathy Towers of Candlestick Press for the review copies of Ten Poems about Childhood and Ten Poems about Bees both now available to order through Candlestick Press website.

 

Candlestick Press are a small independent publisher based in Nottingham and were founded in 2008. The team consists of four dedicated people in Di Slaney (Publisher), Kathy Towers (Assistant Editor) and two admin assistants. Their aim is simple to spread the joy of poetry to adults and children alike who love poetry and or may be just beginning their journey in to enjoying poetry. These small pamphlets are just ideal for bedtime reading or like I have been doing and that is enjoying them on journeys.

They have published so many of these beautiful pamphlets on a wide range of topics from Christmas to Cricket, from Dogs to Sheep and even Clouds and walking and even breakfast. These wonderful poetry pamphlets make the ideal gift to send to friends and loved ones. For more information, please visit the Candlestick Press website: Candlestick Press

Ten Poems about Trees and Ten Poems about Husbands and Wives. The Latest releases from Candlestick Press

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Ten Poems about Trees

Introduced by Katherine Towers

They say Oceans contain the warmest blood of all but stop and think about trees for one moment and they too contain life. How many of have childhood memories of gathering Conkers every atumn or stand and listen to birds singing high in a tree or Squirrels chasing each other around the trunk of a tree. Yes trees also do contain the warmest blood and are harbingers of new life each Springtime.

I am delighted to share the new poetry pamphlet by Candlestick Press: Ten Poems about Trees introduced by Katherine Towers.

“Ah in the thunder in the air

how still the trees are”

Poetry from ranging from DH Lawrence (Trees in the Garden) through to Alistair Elliot (Dear Betula) each of the ten poems talk about trees in their own very special way. This really in Arboriculture in ten poems. Trees remind us of special times and how fragile our own brief lives really are.

From Aspens to colourful trees in a garden to trees a lement of a lost tree and to all of us who love trees and who never want to be seperated from them.

Candlestick Press are making a donation from the sales of Ten Poems about Trees to The Woodland Trust.

 

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Ten Poems about Husbands and Wives

I am delighted to share the latest poetry pamphlet by Candlestick Press Ten Poems about Husbands and Wives. The poet Anne Bradstreet (1612 – 1672) said it all:

“If ever two were one, then surely we”

Ten glorious poems about the relationship of a couple celebrating the bond of marriage. Poetry by Tiffany Atkinson (Portrait of the Husband as Farmer’s Market) and including Ingrid’s Husband by Paul Henry to The Seventh Wedding Invitation by Choman Hardi.

Beautiful poems laid out facing each other. Just as you would imagine a husband and wife sat facing each other enjoy time together embraced in conversation.

Both Ten Poems about Trees and Ten Poems about Husband and Wives are available to order from the Candlestick Website. (See below).

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Thank you to Kathy Towers of Candlestick Press for the review copies of Ten Poems about Trees and Ten Poems about Husbands and Wives both now available now to order through Candlestick Press website.

Candlestick Press are a small independent publisher based in Nottingham and were founded in 2008. The team consists of four dedicated people in Di Slaney (Publisher), Kathy Towers (Assistant Editor) and two admin assistants. Their aim is simple to spread the joy of poetry to adults and children alike who love poetry and or may be just beginning their journey in to enjoying poetry. These small pamphlets are just ideal for bedtime reading or like I have been doing and that is enjoying them on journeys.

They have published so many of these beautiful pamphlets on a wide range of topics from Christmas to Cricket, from Dogs to Sheep and even Clouds to walking and even breakfast. These wonderful poetry pamphlets make the ideal gift to send to friends and loved ones. For more information, please visit the Candlestick Press website: Candlestick Press

 

Ten Poems about Walking & Ten Poems for Breakfast – Candlestick Press

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Ten Poems about Walking – Selected and Introduced by Ana Sampson

One of my passions in life walking, be it watching wildlife along the rivers and canals close to my home or climbing mountains to touch the sky. When I was young I would climb the fells of the Lake District and it was here that I wrote poetry about the beauty of nature.

It is a real pleasure to bring you the latest poetry pamphlet from Candlestick Press titled: Ten Poems about Walking selected and introduced by Sasha Dugdale. Poems that take us from the ‘Lake’ by David Constantine and my favourite by Samantha Wynne-Rhydderch ‘Climbing Helvellyn’ something I have done many times.

There is a poem by William Wordsworth one of my favourite poets. ‘Old Man Travelling’, There is a poem talking of a walk in the wood after a long loneliness.

The beautiful cover design titled ‘Head for the Hills’ is by Hugh Ribbans to mark the 50th anniversary of the Kent Downs as an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

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Ten Poems for Breakfast – Selected and Introduced by Sasha Dugdale

Breakfast is my favourite time of the day. Especially at weekends. As the house fills with the aroma of fresh coffee and toast, I switch on the radio and quietly begin to think of the new day and endless possibilities. The latest release by Candlestick Press is Ten Poems for Breakfast Selected and introduced by Ana Sampson. With the first seven poems we are climbing out of bed and it is ‘Morning’ by Billy Collins. There is a poem called ‘Toaster’ and ‘Toaster’ about the joy of morning toast. Catherine Edmunds writes ‘Breakfast with Mother’ The final three poems are post breakfast and the possibilities of the day ahead. ‘Before the Lark’ by Phil M. Houghton. Short and sweet, now is that how you like your morning coffee.

Thank you to Kathy Towers at Candlestick Press for the review copies of Ten Poems about Walking and Ten Poems for Breakfast.

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Candlestick Press are a small independent publisher based in Nottingham and were founded in 2008. The team consists of four dedicated people in Di Slaney (Publisher), Kathy Towers (Assistant Editor) and two admin assistants. Their aim is simple to spread the joy of poetry to adults and children alike who love poetry and or may be just beginning their journey in to enjoying poetry. These small pamphlets are just ideal for bedtime reading or like I have been doing and that is enjoying them on journeys.

They have published so many of these beautiful pamphlets on a wide range of topics from Christmas to Cricket, from Dogs to Sheep and even Clouds. With Christmas not too far away this is an ideal time to think of sending cards to loved ones and friends. The pamphlets of stories and poetry make the ideal gift to send. For more information, please visit the Candlestick Press website: Here

You can follow Candlestick Press on Twitter: @poetrycandle 

Look out for more future releases from Candlestick Press in the months ahead.

The All Night Bookshop by David Belbin

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The All Night Bookshop by David Belbin

I have been very fortunate to have been able to review a number of titles by Candlestick Press and I am delighted to share my review of their latest release that came out just in time for Bookshop Day 2018. The All Night Bookshop by David Belbin is a short but beautifully written story for anyone who like me loves books and bookshops.

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A shop like many others in the area that has seen better days. This shop is though unlike any of the others, it is a bookshop though you may not know it as it only opens during the night for those who work unsociable hours or just cannot sleep. It does not sell bestsellers as those are sold by supermarkets in the area and of course whisper it quietly Amazon. The shop is dusty and on many floors. Old books, magazines and periodicals.

The short story is told by a young man who was hired by Zelda the young manager who is blind in one eye who like her assistant rarely sleeps. This young man holds an unspoken love for Zelda as they quietly run the All Night Bookshop. The mystery here though is the owner of the bookshop, he/she has never been seen and there are many stories of the reclusive owner who lives in the flat above the shop.

The shop rarely makes enough money to survive but survive it does for those who cannot sleep and arrive in dressing gowns and slippers. The narrator clearly loves Zelda but also wants to find out about the mystery owner of the dusty old bookshop.

A book with a hidden story behind it, a mystery, a love story. And just who lives in the flat above The All Night Bookshop. This may be only 16 pages but I just loved the idea with poems by Jim Burns and Jackie Kay. If you love books and bookshops especially those old dusty bookshops that I seem to find myself in this is for you and this is for bookshops everywhere.

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Candlestick Press are a small independent publisher based in Nottingham and were founded in 2008. The team consists of four dedicated people in Di Slaney (Publisher), Kathy Towers (Assistant Editor) and two admin assistants. Their aim is simple to spread the joy of poetry to adults and children alike who love poetry and or may be just beginning their journey in to enjoying poetry. These small pamphlets are just ideal for bedtime reading or like I have been doing and that is enjoying them on journeys.

They have published so many of these beautiful pamphlets on a wide range of topics from Christmas to Cricket, from Dogs to Sheep and even Clouds. With Christmas not too far away this is an ideal time to think of sending cards to loved ones and friends. The pamphlets of stories and poetry make the ideal gift to send. For more information, please visit the Candlestick Press website: Here

 16 Pages.

Thank you to for the review copy of The All Night Bookshop by Jim Belbin

The All Night Bookshop by Jim Belbin was published by Candlestick Press and was published on 1st October 2018 and is available through Waterstones, Amazon and through your local independent bookshop.

 

 

Ten Poems from Russia Selected and Introduced by Boris Dralyuk In association with Pushkin Press

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Ten Poems from Russia Selected and Introduced by Boris Dralyuk

In association with Pushkin Press

 

My love of poetry takes me back to my youth when I used to write poetry in my free time. As the years passed I discovered Russian poets as well as Russian literature. It became a love and an obsession. It is my great pleasure to introduce one of the latest releases by Candlestick Press. Ten Poems from Russia which have been selected and introduced by Boris Dralyuk in association with Pushkin Press.

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These poetry pamphlets are just the most wonderful introduction to Russian Poetry if you have not yet discovered this. For anyone who knows and understands Russian poets and poetry they will know it is in fact more than just poetry. It encompasses all and everything that is Russian.

Just mentioning the name of Alexander Pushkin evokes many memories for me as I began my love affair with Russian literature and poetry. There are ten poems that have been selected by Boris Dralyuk and without doubt my favourite poem in the collection is My Country Mikhail Lermontov. This is just Russia in verse.

Ten Poems from Russia.

Prologue to Ruslan and Lyudmila by Alexander Pushkin

My Country by Mikhail Lermontov

To Alya by Marina Tsvetaeva

“Take from my palms some sun.. by Osip Mandelstam

In Memory of Sergey Yesenin by Anna Akhmatova

The Lost Tram by Nikolay Gumilyov

Hamlet by Boris Pasternak

The Stroll by Yuri Kazarnovsky

“I still find charm…” by Georgy Ivanov

Bouquet by Julia Nemirovskaya

 

Candlestick Press are a small independent publisher based in Nottingham and were founded in 2008. The team consists of four dedicated people in Di Slaney (Publisher), Kathy Towers (Assistant Editor) and two admin assistants. Their aim is simple to spread the joy of poetry to adults and children alike who love poetry and or may be just beginning their journey in to enjoying poetry. These small pamphlets are just ideal for bedtime reading or like I have been doing and that is enjoying them on journeys and are just perfect to be given as a gift.

 

22 Pages.

Thank you to Candlestick Press for the review copy of Ten Poems from Russia.

Ten Poems from Russia was published by and was published on 1st June 2018 and is available through selected Waterstones bookshops and also Amazon and through your local independent bookshop.