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Reviews
Beauty and Some Beasts by John Hirst Reviewed by Quibilah Montsho The saucy, sensuous, saline-drip of poetry flows throughout this collection. John Hirst’s use of imagery is fantastic. His enigmatic use of alliteration expresses a whole world of poetic perspectives. We ‘travel the tormented trail of trauma’, witness ‘Cosmo-city’ and deal with a ‘marble mystification’. We are exposed to a range of vivid pictures that play before our eyes for page after page -screen goddesses, icons, Prozac Queens, sweets in exchange for treats - all clamour for our attention. Hirst casts before us his experience and knowledge as a survivor and observer of humanity itself. We are introduced to a number of experiences that stick in our minds. There is a challenge and insurrection here, as in the waves that ‘break ... the mould’ and ‘breach the beach’ (‘Waving’). There is a beauty unforetold in the reflections of Hirst’s observations; ‘dip fingers into the seven seas ... Linger awhile’ and geographical places become sensuous objects (‘Fingering the Contours’). John Hirst does not necessarily use traditional ways of producing poetry. What he says, however, is challenging, and is to be listened to. Available from Survivors’ Poetry, priced £3.00 (plus 40p pap). Cheques payable to Survivors’ Poetry. Published by Poetry Monthly Press. ISBN 1-903031-01-X. Reduced price for Poetry Express readers: £2.00 (plus 40p p&p). Beauty and Some Beasts by John Hirst ISBN 1-903031-01-x £3.00 Poetry Monthly Press Available from: 39 Cavendish Road, Long Eaton, Nottingham, NG1O 4HY
John Hirst has dedicated this collection to Survivor’s Poetry, the national literature and performance organisation dedicated to promoting poetry by survivors of mental distress. There’s some interesting research currently going on into the benefits of
writing poetry, over the long term use of prescription drugs to alleviate
depression and other mental illnesses. The initial findings look really
encouraging, and poetry might yet become the new Prozac. The impulse for many of
us when we start to write is often to try to come to terms with distressing and
difficult experiences, usually through journal or poetry writing. Apart from
talking to a really good friend, writing it all down is the next best thing.
Writing can actually begin to alleviate distress, so any organisation dedicated
to encouraging people to do this should be encouraged. So what of John’s own
writing — the delight in this volume is not just the wide variety of subject
matter he tackles, from his ‘Portraits of Beauty’ section, where he
celebrates romantic love and full on lust: or his fun poking at the whole pill-popping treadmill of depression, this is ‘Intergalactic Language’ Q: What do you take when you’re off your planet? It’s also the distance he’s travelled from his own pain, and the way he takes this delicate material and shapes it with little self indulgence. John has been widely published in small mags and anthologies, and his skill is evident here. He manages, in this collection, to take us into his world, where we can connect with our own discomfort and feel re-assured that we’re not alone. Roz Goddard When Poetry Rescued Me by John Hirst I write to express my feelings, my views and my beliefs. It is the greatest form of expression. You have the power of words plus the visual impact of form and layout! presentation. Your title can also attract the same attention as a newspaper headline. I came to poetry later in life. Like most people, I had read the classics at school, but they went in one ear and just as quickly out the other. I’ve battled against poor health all my life. I was 2 years old when I had a bout of bronchial pneumonia which left my lungs scared and developed into chronic asthma. I spent much of my infant and teen years confined to bed following asthma attacks, either at home, in hospital or in a convalescent home. To pass the time I read a lot, I enjoyed travel and geography. I would study an atlas for hours, but I would mainly read fiction. I was a dreamer and would invent situations to escape the pain of my reality. But I was determined to overcome my disability and succeed in life. I joined the retail trade aged 17 and progressed from salesman to the position of Retails Operations Director of a major High Street retailer, until in 1992 I was forced into premature retirement. My lungs had deteriorated, I was suffering concurrent attacks and infections. High-dose steroids were causing appalling side-effects, swelling, internal bleeding, brittle bones, bruising, kidney damage and water retention. For five long years I also suffered severe depression, sleeping only 3-4 hours per night. I was weak and agitated and I had lost all self-esteem and self-confidence. I spent my time reading, letter writing, watching videos and painting Monet- style water-colours. (I painted in this style because my hands would shake so much because of the steroids).
I had always wanted to try and w rite a novel but because of my problems I very rarely had physical and mental co-ordination and control. I would he in physical pain and my mind was over-active.
Then I would feel physical relief only to he brain-dead due to the drug regime. So totally by accident following a session with my psychologist who suggested I write down my concerns and frustrations, I came to poetry. One morning at 3 am in March 1997 I wrote my first poem. It was called ‘Breathless’ and described the effects of my nightly asthmatic spasms. It was published within a month and has since appeared four times. It only took a few months to purge my mind of health-related confessional concerns, I then moved on to write about nature. I love trees and flowers, the evergreen every greens of nature and flowers, my beloved vivid red poppies. During my working years I had the influence and connections to help raise funds for good causes and charities. This was lost when I finished work. I was also unable to contribute physically. This was when poetry came to the rescue. I was able to put together three self-published booklet collections. (the second two by Pro-Print, Peterborough, who I strongly recommend you use). I managed to sell over 300 copies and raised nearly a thousand pounds for my local church, hospital, school and the National Asthma Campaign. I always have a notebook and pen with me. Observation poems have been some of my better efforts, coming from a village decimated by the loss of the mining industry - the subject of some heart-rendering offerings. I have built up a notebook of words that I have come across by reading other poetry. I read extensively and enjoy today’s contemporary divas Carol Ann Duffy - who should have been appointed Poet Laureate -, Jo Shapcott, Sophie Hannah and Ruth Padel. I have written certain poems influenced by the late and much missed Ted Hughes and his love of animals and landscapes. I also relate to Sylvia Plath’s vivid and depressive verse. What a loss to the poetry world when she died so young. Other poets that I enjoy reading include Simon Armitage and the late Dylan Thomas. I have had modest success with over 50 poems published in small press rnagazines and anthologies. I have received unselfish help and advice from Black Country poet Geoff Stevens, editor of the Purple Patch Magazine. Poetry is now very central to my life 1 have combined a few sketches and watercolours, overlaid selected verse and had them produced as framed copies for family and friends He, like me, writes from the imagery of post-cards and artistic photography. I have also had a tape produced by poet Jay Woodman. It’s a great idea to read your poetry or have it read. It really brings out further depth and meaning to your work . Poetry is now very central to my life. I have combined a few sketches and water-colours, overlaid selected verse and had them produced as framed copies for family and friends. I have just completed my third ‘commissioned’ poem, that was requested by a lady to celebrate her husband’s retirement. Last year I produced special poetic Christmas cards. Poetry for me today has so many opportunities for expression. I also recently attended my first two poetry workshops, great experience and good fun. Although I still lack confidence and am severely restricted in what I can do, I desperately try to attend events to learn more and share views, ideas and etc. Poetry has not only purged my system and helped to channel debilitating depression. It has given me a new lease of life. John Hirst is interested in setting up a writing group in the West Midlands. You can contact him via the office if you are also looking to join or set up a group in this area. |