The Missing Months

The Missing Months is a collection of poems that explore the strange hiatus afforded by lockdown, looking forward to possible futures, celebrating and mourning the lives of friends and relatives, and reanimated familiar objects. It is a poetry of imaginative journeying that stretches and turns like a heron, searching for points of reference in the ruins.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 72 pages
Publication date: 17 November 2022
Publisher: Faber & Faber

The poems in "The Missing Months" delve into the unique time of lockdown, exploring both the past and the future with a mix of anticipation, utopian dreams, and fears of cultural and bodily entropy. They celebrate and mourn the lives of friends and relatives, captivated by carefully tended images from the past. This poetry of imaginative journeying spans the air, turning and twisting like a heron observing its surroundings. Amid the crackle of radio signals and the patter of rain, the Russian poet Osip Mandelstam and the American singer Miranda Lambert serve as points of reference for the poet, seeking solace and brightness amidst the ruins.

The Missing Months:


In the realm of a four-year-old granddaughter, the lockdown's "missing months" are etched into memory. Familiar objects, such as park benches, stones, grass, stars, and windows, come to life once more. This poetic journey, filled with imaginative exploration, unfolds on a slope of air, reminiscent of a heron gracefully gliding through the sky. Amidst the crackle of radio signals and the pitter-patter of rain, the poet seeks solace and a glimmer of light amidst the ruins.


Celebrating and Mourning:


The poems in "The Missing Months" capture the essence of celebrating and mourning the lives of friends and relatives. They delve into the intricate details of cherished memories, evoking a sense of joy and longing. Through vivid imagery and heartfelt expressions, the poems honor the lives of those who have passed, while also acknowledging the pain and loss that accompanies their absence.


Imaginative Journeying:


The poems in "The Missing Months" transport the reader on an imaginative journey, weaving together threads of past and present. They explore the possibilities of the future, filled with hope and uncertainty, and tease the reader with utopian dreams and dystopian fears. The poet skillfully weaves together a tapestry of emotions, creating a rich and layered experience that leaves a lasting impact.


Points of Reference:


In this poetic exploration, the poet seeks points of reference amidst the chaos and uncertainty of lockdown. Osip Mandelstam, the renowned Russian poet, and Miranda Lambert, the American singer, become touchstones for the poet's search for meaning and solace. Their words and melodies provide a sense of connection and understanding, offering a glimmer of hope in the midst of darkness.


Bright Fresh Leaves:


Among the ruins of lockdown, the poet finds solace in the bright fresh leaves of sunlight. These metaphorical leaves represent a renewed sense of hope and growth, emerging from the shadows and offering a glimpse of a brighter future. The poet cherishes these moments of brightness, recognizing their power to inspire and uplift.


In conclusion, "The Missing Months" is a collection of poems that capture the essence of lockdown, exploring the strange hiatus it has provided. Through a blend of anticipation, utopian dreams, and fears of the future, the poems celebrate and mourn the lives of friends and relatives, capturing the intricate details of cherished memories. Imaginative journeying, points of reference, and the bright fresh leaves of sunlight serve as metaphors for hope and growth, offering a glimmer of light in the midst of darkness.

Weight: 100g
Dimension: 197 x 130 x 6 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780571375387
Edition number: Main