Three points for the win

It’s Monday afternoon, and I’m still buzzing about Saturday’s gig in Wolverhampton. You never really know what’s round the corner when it comes to live poetry events, and there can’t be a poet in the land who hasn’t had to take disappointment on the chin at some point in their career as a latterday wandering minstrel. I remember a poetry night in Lancaster where the (miniscule) stage was just inside the door to the pub, which meant anyone entering or leaving walked between me and the folk giving it their best shot at being an audience. Then there’s the gig Emma Purshouse and myself refer to in hushed tones as ‘The Dundee Three’. You can probably work out why. (Reader, we all gathered round a single pub table, took it in turn to read poems, enjoyed a pint or two, and tried not to think about how far we’d driven for the privilege).

Saturday’s gig was, thankfully, nothing like either of those. Firstly, it was at KTeas Cakes in Wolverhampton city centre, a mere hop, skip, and a jump down the road – which can’t be said for Dundee – and which is a splendid place to pass a few hours any day of the week. Secondly, it was packed. Absolutely packed. Which is what happens when you do a hometown gig as support to Emma Purshouse, and she’s just got a new book out. ’Unsung’ is published by Offa’s Press, and it’s an astounding volume of poetry which will brighten your world when you treat yourself to a copy. Dundee folk, take note.

We had a blast. Saturday was one of those afternoons when I remember exactly why I bother to get up in front of an audience to perform my poetry, as well as a reminder of what a joy it is to watch another poet at the top of their game hold that same audience in the palm of their hand. If you ever get the chance to hear Emma read the crown of sonnets which forms the centrepiece of ‘Unsung’, then I recommend you drop everything, and grab that opportunity.

We sold books by the fistful. I sold every copy of ‘snapshots’ that I had with me. And I’m hugely grateful to the audience member who bought a copy, and then posted this review on Facebook next day.

“Some books you regret. This one’s not one of those. This one’s a keeper. Full of humanity, humour, compassion, wit and quite a bit of wisdom, it touches the heart of street life and the people who work and walk therein. You would probably recognise them, you might even recognise yourself. There’s a lot to smile about and a whole lot more to think about.

Which is why, on a Sunday evening, I find that I don’t want to put it down.”

Thank you, Ingrid. And if that review’s piqued your interest in getting a copy of ‘snapshots’ for yourself, they’re on sale here. Just in time for Xmas. Or any of the other 364 days of the year. Whatever takes your fancy.