Lanyard

This collection offers a heartfelt exploration of family life, art, and the enduring power of poetry, as seen in Lanyard.

In Lanyard, the richness of family life takes center stage, offering readers an intimate glimpse into the world of one of the UK's most cherished poets and educators. The collection features a variety of poems, including 'On First Hearing Careless Whisper,' that pause time to explore the intersection of life and art. Through references to 1980s pop culture, classic literature, and a diverse array of contemporary writers, the author crafts a narrative that is both personal and universal.

The poet's keen observations of family life are woven throughout this warm, witty, and poignant collection, revealing the complexities of working-class existence from the early to mid-twentieth century, through the vibrant 1970s, and into today's uncertain landscape. Readers are invited to experience the poet's first car, meet a colorful cast of characters, and witness Sheffield in a light seldom seen in literature.

Lanyard also pays homage to influential figures such as Gerard Benson and Sarah Maguire, highlighting the profound impact of poetry on life and death. With a blend of laughter and tears, the collection vividly evokes a world that thrives through the power of verse, reminding us of the beauty and resilience found in everyday moments.