Incidents from childhood, history, family life, the television news - these are the varied sources of inspiration in this new collection by Jean Earle.
The poems are profound without being obscure; easy to read, yet working on many levels. Often written from the perspective of old age, there is a feeling of resonance, of other lives observed with a keen concern, and of wisdom worn lightly. Included are several wonderful love poems: from a lover disgruntled at not being able to see her spouse's 'aura'; to the affectionate memories of the elderly couple in 'gran and gramps at the fireworks'.
The landscapes of Wales are also observed with a loving eye as in 'Lament for a Favourite Beach', and 'Llansteffan Shore'. Adept at 'adopting' characters, Jean Earle moves freely between childhood ghost, homeless youngster, mediaeval bard, and toddling child.
"Her fine selected poems... leavened with a wry wit, and her age makes her poems both imperative and moving"
Adam Thorpe, The Observer
Jean Earle (1909-2002) lived in Wales for most of her 92 years. Her last collection, 'The Bed of Memory', was shortlisted for the 2002 Arts Council of Wales Book of the Year Award. Visiting Light (1987) and Selected Poems (1990) were a Poetry Book Society Choice and Recommendation respectively.
The poems are profound without being obscure; easy to read, yet working on many levels. Often written from the perspective of old age, there is a feeling of resonance, of other lives observed with a keen concern, and of wisdom worn lightly. Included are several wonderful love poems: from a lover disgruntled at not being able to see her spouse's 'aura'; to the affectionate memories of the elderly couple in 'gran and gramps at the fireworks'.
The landscapes of Wales are also observed with a loving eye as in 'Lament for a Favourite Beach', and 'Llansteffan Shore'. Adept at 'adopting' characters, Jean Earle moves freely between childhood ghost, homeless youngster, mediaeval bard, and toddling child.
"Her fine selected poems... leavened with a wry wit, and her age makes her poems both imperative and moving"
Adam Thorpe, The Observer
Jean Earle (1909-2002) lived in Wales for most of her 92 years. Her last collection, 'The Bed of Memory', was shortlisted for the 2002 Arts Council of Wales Book of the Year Award. Visiting Light (1987) and Selected Poems (1990) were a Poetry Book Society Choice and Recommendation respectively.