Published in Issue 20 of Visionary Tongue, Summer 2006.

I’ve been eagerly awaiting the next collection of poetry from Derek, and here it is. Derek is a contributor to this issue of VT, so for an idea of his work, have a read now, and then buy the collection! Derek, very well known in poetry circles, has a huge simmering explosion of images and ideas to draw from, and it shows in each poem. As a live performer he mixes depth and subtle humour to craft poems which leave you either planning your next wine laden symposium (complete with naked nubile flute players) or facing your unforgiving shadow in the middle of the night. Particularly impressive is Derek’s ease in dealing with classical imagery and updating these ideas into original verse that keeps within the spirit of the old.

The Littoral Press, 38 Barringtons, 10 Sutton Road, Southend on Sea, SS2 5NA.

60pp £8.50 Littoral Press 2005

Review by Jamie Spracklen