Reviewed by Graham Marsden.
Anglers will enjoy the poems in this little booklet by an angler who so obviously writes from the heart.
Anglers who enjoy poetry will love it.
John Martin writes very eloquently about the sport he loves. The frontispiece of the booklet describes the contents very well:
“The poems contained in this book paint a picture for the reader of the author’s affections. Much of his work relates to special places he has visited when spending many hours enjoying his favourite pastime – angling.”
There are 58 poems in total in the booklet, some just a short paragraph or two, others a full page. It is illustrated here and there with the odd black and white photograph and a couple of sketches.
My personal favourite is this one, and will serve to give you a taste of what lies within the pages:
The Pool at Uckinghall
You know where you want to be,
Down by the lakeside, you and me.
Blending amongst the fauna dense,
Patiently waiting for the bubbling Tench.
Damsel flies adorned in turquoise blue
Flutter gracefully in the morning dew,
Energetic Reed Buntings scour the sedge
While a Heron stands at the marshy edge.
A sudden flash of colour distracts the eye
As the elegant Kingfisher dives into the fry.
Some acrobatic movements of hops and flits
Reveal a foraging band of Long-Tailed Tits.
The senses heighten, the adrenalin flows.
A large Mirror Carp towards the crust it goes,
Alas, perceiving danger, bolts away
Leaving a bow wave rippling across the bay.
Above us in the canopy of Alder and Beech
Oblivious to our presence, Green Woodpeckers screech.
It’s just sheer pleasure to be there at all,
Absorbing the ambience at Uckinghall.
At £ 6.50 for this 58 page paperback it isn’t cheap, but if you are a lover of poetry and fine words then you may consider it money well spent.
Published by Square One Publications.
ISBN: 1 899955 45 3.
The book is available direct from the author on 01684 772970, or from the publishers on 01684 594522 or 593704.
