The Fetch by Gregory Leadbetter
The broad spectrum of form, genre and content in Leadbetter’s poems make The Fetch, Gregory Leadbetter's first full collection, a captivating read. The poems are constructed with precision and care woven into each word; his phrasing and rhythm remaining tight and specific throughout. Leadbetter’s topics range from life and death to love, to the supernatural and magical. A collection to read when you’re in the mood for all sorts of poetry.
I know it was a blessing
when she landed like a fly on my forehead
as I was trying to write,
her cicada rustle scribbling in and out
before the flick of my hand sent her to hide
in the plumbing, where she whined for weeks
until I found her, toad-shy and morning-blind
in the kitchen sink. I held her, for the first time then,
revived her with what has become her favourite wine.
- 'Imp' by Gregory Leadbetter
‘Leadbetter’s poems are finely-made and quietly powerful – every word is the right word. But they can also be deceptive and unsettling, showing us the darkness at the edges of our everyday lives. As he puts it in ‘The Departed’: “I see what the part of me that died has seen.”’ – Patrick McGuinness
You can pick up a copy of The Fetch here, now on sale!
On Friday 27th January there will be a chance to get your hands on all of the books featured on the blog this week, check back then to see how you can win!