Tuesday, December 14, 2010



I've never met Stephen Nelson but I imagine he writes high up in a tall building. Perhaps it's something to do with the format of this volume and his tendency to place a poem in the top left hand corner. The page acquires a verticality. Or is it some subliminal word association ... Nelson ... column ... Maybe.

FLYLYGHT arrived recently (note the slightly distressed typewriter font of the title). Inside there are poems working with severity and restraint: modulations of colour inks, spacings, punctuations. I need to look at these carefully - it would be an injustice to respond too quickly. Suggestions of paths to follow and explore.

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Another surprise in the post was a pack of postcards from 'Bristol Rob' - what looks like an ongoing project: 'Lost & Found'. Mislaid items 'found' by his camera lens. Is there a bit of judicious arranging for the benefit of the composition? Once a pro always a pro ... .

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An experiment. Sit quietly doing nothing (other than reflecting about the time of day, the changing sky or how you might solve a problem). Within five minutes someone will pass by and ask whether you're feeling OK or - with a dismissive sniff - say it must be nice to have time to do nothing.

Another experiment. Sit quietly with a book open on your lap. You might be intent on the page or pausing to think about a phrase. Within five minutes the same person will pass by, sniff dismissively and say it must be nice to have time to read a book (the word "book" said with just a hint of mockery).

Then try this: sit with your laptop open in front of you. You are bored out of your mind and simply flipping through sites. The person is about to walk by when they pause, consider, then apologize for interrupting you're obviously busy but ... .

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