Poetry / Paul atten Ash
Bristol poet Paul atten Ash features in poetry anthology and journal for Ukraine
Paul atten Ash is the pen name of Bristol poet, Paul Nash, whose work has been published by the International Library of Poetry, Raw Edge, Tandem, Tiny Seed, Understanding and Visual Verse among others.
Nash’s poem Eryri was shortlisted in the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty ‘Best Poem of Landscape’ category of the prestigious Ginkgo Prize, 2021.
This summer, he has contributed poems to two publications with all profits going to Ukraine: an anthology from independent publisher Boudicca Press, in support of the DEC Ukraine Appeal; and the printed journal Oscillations, donating proceeds to UNICEF for their work in the country.
is needed now More than ever
https://www.instagram.com/p/CfKkbydD8GS/
Edited by Susan Norvill, who is from Weston-super-Mare, the Boudicca collection United for Ukraine is set release on August 25.
Featuring poetry and prose from 25 authors, it is intended to be “a celebration of hope and solidarity” for the people of Ukraine.
United for Ukraine, edited by Susan Norvill – photo: Boudicca Press
We Made a World-Shaped Cage
Hope dissected on a table—
our scarlet betrayal, the entrails of human kindness.
We made a world-shaped cage,
fluttering madly within, a mist of flitting.
Fleeting scenes of love, of hate,
drunk on the honeyed promise of peace.
Hope is the distant hum
of birds never alighting, living on the wing, spent.
Unfettered as blossom, as fallout,
a nuclear quiver of winter without spring.
The night river of humanity snakes,
numbed by the prick & the sting of faith.
Hope against hope is fable—
our cities will be shelled, what’s left of us, silent.
We made a world-shaped cage,
we men of blood, fit for a tyrant king.
In the Labyrinth the Minotaur waits:
once he has devoured us all, we will be free.
Paul atten Ash
https://www.instagram.com/p/CfmxfzlK92E/
United For Ukraine is available from August 25 from Boudicca Press, with pre-orders open now at www.boudiccapress.com. To order the printed journal Oscillations / Issue 3, visit www.stjudesprints.co.uk.
Main photo: Boudicca Press
Read more: Safeguarding Ukraine’s cultural heritage
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