Erratics

Cathy Bryant is a misfit, born in the south and living in the north, from a middle-class home and working-class by poverty and experience. She doesn't fit in anywhere except at poetry events, where she can't know whether the person next to her is a convicted felon or a linguistics professor.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 64 pages
Publication date: 17 May 2018
Publisher: Arachne Press

In the fierce battle of life, two opposing corners emerge: the red corner, where the muck, grit, and harsh truths reign supreme. On the other side, the blue corner glimmers with the beauty of the natural world and the vibrant variety that imagination can bring. Amidst this tumultuous arena, Cathy Bryant finds herself dancing a delicate dance, straddling the boundaries between these contrasting realms.

To extend the boxing ring metaphor further, the other two corners represent culture and experience, the canvas is time, and I find myself on the ropes of conscience. Cathy, a misfit in every sense of the word, was born in the south but has made her home in the north. From a middle-class upbringing, she has descended into the working class, grappling with poverty and a wealth of experiences that have shaped her unique perspective. She has tasted the bitterness of homelessness and the joy of finding a mere penny on the pavement, a reminder of the value of small things. She possesses the knowledge to address a duchess with grace and the wisdom to know whether to put milk in her tea first. Yet, Cathy doesn't fit into any one box, and her presence is a testament to the complexities and contradictions that define human existence.

It is in the realm of poetry events, where the boundaries between worlds crumble, that Cathy finds her true solace. Here, she is embraced by a community of diverse individuals, each with their own stories to tell and their own unique perspectives to share. Among this eclectic group, Cathy discovers that she can be both a convicted felon and a linguistics professor, or perhaps both, all at once. The beauty of poetry lies in its ability to transcend labels and embrace the complexities of human experience.

In this delicate dance between the red and blue corners, Cathy Bryant navigates the complexities of life with resilience and a fierce determination to embrace the beauty that lies within. She is a testament to the human spirit's ability to adapt, evolve, and thrive in the face of adversity. As she continues to explore the boundaries between these worlds, Cathy inspires others to do the same, reminding us that life is a rich tapestry of colors, textures, and experiences waiting to be discovered.

Weight: 82g
Dimension: 131 x 198 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781909208568