The collaboration between poet Steve Ely and photographer Michael Faint captures the essence of the tidal island of Orasaigh, situated on the coast of South Uist at Boisdale. The work intertwines evocative poetry with striking photography, reflecting the unique landscape and atmosphere of this coastal region. Through their combined artistry, Ely and Faint invite readers to experience the beauty and inspiration drawn from Orasaigh's natural surroundings.
Improvisational poetry emerges from contemplative readings of select chapters from the 1611 King James Bible, specifically Matthew VI, Mark V, Luke XV, and Luke X. The author introduces the term "Lectio Violant," a play on "Lectio Divina," to describe this unique approach, which diverges from traditional devotional reading aimed at fostering a closer connection to God. While the intent may differ, the exploration of scripture through these poems invites readers to engage with the text in an unexpected way.
The poem creatively captures the daily lives of the Common, Pygmy, and Water shrews, intertwining their ecological realities with broader themes. Through the lens of shrew behavior, it delves into human nature, personal experiences, capitalism, the Anthropocene, and war, offering a rich tapestry of interconnected ideas. Its innovative structure invites readers to consider both the specific and the universal, making profound connections between the lives of these small creatures and larger existential concepts.
New poems by Steve Ely, Zaffar Kunial, Denise Riley, Warsan Shire, and John Glenday