Prose and poetry by people with (or help people with) drug/alcohol problems. In the introduction the editor writes -
- "it will be readily apparent that the work is often rather simple in expession. Nevertheless, it sometimes achieves a real power by simple and direct approach, a touch of humour"
- "there are parallels between some of this work and that of some of our war poets ... It is sometimes said that war is a metaphor for the human condition in that man is a creature at war with himself. Substance abuse may provide a better metaphor"
- "Writing, of course, is unlikely by itself to cure an addition, but it can and does provide a degree of self esteem ... and show that it is worth reaching out to life and people"
Among the writers are those who have appeared in Poetry Wales, Rialto, etc, who've played the male lead on the West End, or have represented Great Britain in seven World Championships ... and two Ironman competitions.
In general I prefer the prose to the poetry - it's more concise. It's interesting to see how the same points are expressed by writers who have had very different exposure to literature. When Kathy Warner writes "I cannot reach out/ For I am unable to see where I am reaching" she expresses a common sentiment, expressed also by her in "The kite". Roy Taylor's style in "Zumotikos" is different - "And enigmatic epilepsy/ Kills the vespertines'/ Shape-searching all over the latrine's/ Lino and sanctuary carpet/ Where thy kingdom cums."
I liked "Lines for T.S.Eliot" and "The thin blue line" by Kevin St John Robinson.
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