| There’s
a grumble one sometimes hears these days – everybody
writes poetry, but nobody buys it. For twenty-seven years Snakeskin has encouraged writers of poetry; this month we encourage potential purchasers. December, we decided, is a good month for a Book Fair. During chilly nights we need stimulating reading matter. Besides, it’s getting on for Christmas, after all, and what more horizon-broadening gift could there be than a new book of original, and maybe unexpected, verse? There is a wide selection contributors on view in this Book Fair, from well-established poets to new writers exposing themselves to the public for the first time. We have given each of them the same opportunity – send a picture of the cover, one poem, and a few words explaining your book. I’m sure you won’t like all the poems presented here. I’m not even absolutely sure that even I like all the poems presented here. They are so varied in mood and style. But go through them and you’re certain to find at least one poem that strikes a chord: that makes you think, that makes you laugh, that stirs an emotion or makes you remember. When you find it, why not explore the rest of the book that it comes from? And when you find a poem or a poet that really speaks to you, please do spread the word. Poets need readers. |