A Pocketful of Chalk

The South Downs, with its stunning sunsets, cliffs, fossils, fishing vessels, windmills, people, and sheep, serves as the backdrop for Claire Booker's collection of poems. These poems explore the past, present, and future, intertwining geological and emotional landscapes. They showcase the resilience of mothers, both human and animal, and the power of love and redemption. Booker's poetry is vibrant, challenging, and uncompromising, tying urban landscapes in Brighton to a discourse on the impact of the ground beneath our feet on our lives. A Pocketful of Chalk is filled with myth, metaphor, energy, and originality, featuring apocalyptic visions of global warming, the flight of herons and ospreys, and the extraordinary leap of a cow over the moon.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 48 pages
Publication date: 28 July 2022
Publisher: Arachne Press

The South Downs, a captivating region nestled at the heart of this collection, holds a rich tapestry of natural wonders and human experiences. From the breathtaking sunsets that paint the sky with vibrant hues to the expansive skies that seem to go on forever, the South Downs offers a stunning backdrop for the diverse elements that grace its landscapes. Cliffs, fossils, fishing vessels, windmills, people, and sheep all coexist harmoniously, creating a tapestry of life that is both fascinating and humbling.

As we delve deeper into the past, present, and future of this region, we witness the collision of geological and emotional landscapes. Life erupts magically out of plum trees, and love, like chalk, is both fragile and deeply rooted. The loss of a father is redeemed through the unexpected gift of a chocolate rabbit, while a loved one returns in the form of a trombone, adding a touch of whimsy and magic to the narrative. Mothers, both human and animal, showcase their strength and resilience, reminding us of the incredible power of maternal love.

This collection of poetry is far from your typical nature poem anthology. Claire's poems are vigorous, challenging, and uncompromising, pushing the boundaries of language and imagery. She skillfully ties the urban landscape of Brighton into a discourse on the profound impact that the ground beneath our feet has on our lives. The chalk downland, a unique ecology, is a testament to the South Downs' status as a National Park, preserving its natural beauty for generations to come.

A Pocketful of Chalk bursts with myth, metaphor, energy, and originality. The giant of Wilmington leaves his hillside in an apocalyptic vision of global warming, warning us of the consequences of our actions. Herons and Ospreys take flight, and a boy releases monsters from the sea shore, adding a touch of adventure and wonder to the narrative. A cow truly does jump over the moon, defying gravity and capturing our imagination.

Claire Booker offers a moving and memorable poetry from an iconic corner of England. Her words paint vivid pictures of the South Downs, capturing its essence and the emotions it evokes. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, a lover of poetry, or simply someone seeking a glimpse into the heart of England, this collection will captivate your senses and leave a lasting impression.

Weight: 76g
Dimension: 198 x 129 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913665692