Poetry Collections
Spirit of Fire
Element Books, 1983, hardback with colour illustrations, 50 pages
This book is universal in its approach as well as its appeal. The poems move beyond the personal in their questionings and affirmations, expressing a simple and unshakeable truth—a reverence for life. The title poem has been published by the BBC and Longman, and it is recommended by the London Diocesan Board for Schools as an alternative Halloween celebration.
My Faith
My faith
lies in the cracks
between religions.
The prism of truth
refracts light
in many colours
of equal validity
and brightness.
To be
free to wander
through the rays
and discover
again and again
the same
white brilliance,
is to rejoice
in the wonders,
the enigmas
and faithful reflections
of love.
A Unique Curve
Priapus Press, 1988, limited edition hand-printed chap booklet, collectors item, almost sold out
A short selection chosen by John Cotton—poet, educator and publisher—for his sought-after hand-printed Priapus series. Collectors’ item.
Pairing
A well-worn glove,
I cleave to every contour of your hand.
My fabric barely
registers your touch: familiar, warm.
Each conscious ripple
Of our separate textures stirs the dance.
With counter rhythm
We adjust position, fold and flex,
To get the fit
Just right for palming out
And holding life.
Interpreting the Tree
Diamond Press, 1990, paperback, 91 pages
This collection parallels human growth and cycles of development with those in nature. It traces the path from roots to harvests and regeneration through first expression, potential and relationships. At times deeply personal, Interpreting the Tree encompasses human and global issues to which we can all relate.
This Beach
The swollen ocean
Heaving past horizons,
Pulses
With unshed waves
Held taut in its skin.
It splits
And licks an expression.
It coats the shore,
Sucking at dryness
Vast as itself.
So we break:
Life
For one brief moment
Manifest
In a unique curve.
Wilderness
Terracotta Press, 1998, paperback, 80 pages
These poems reflect on changes, both internal and external. They arose from extensive world travels and take us on a journey filled with people, places and relationships, viewed from a particular perspective.
Strings
You were trying to fly your kite.
Helped by your father, you struggled to launch
The enormous two-hander in uneven gusts.
Too large and heavy for your twelve years,
It looped and dived again and again,
While you, frustrated, stamped the ground.
In a flash I saw you on the threshold of manhood,
Looking back to this day when the task was too great:
You, defiant, challenging the wind,
Determined to launch yourself from my cradle –
And I cried, in the pause of this telling moment,
For all the moments we throw to the wind
Home on the Wing
Terracotta Press, 2004, paperback, black-and-white photos, 67 pages
Where do you consider home? Today, increasing numbers of us find ourselves moving and migrating between loved ones, work commitments, opportunities and changing world events. Is home defined by location, physical comfort, connection to roots? Is it a place that feeds the spirit, provides the support of community or deepens a sense of self? What makes us feel at home—or not at home? This collection explores these questions through deeply personal poems. The publication of this book is in support of The Dandelion Trust Charity (reg. charity no. 328159), which gives children from war zones respite and time to heal.
Too Thin (Swiss Cottage tube station, London)
On the floor of the station,
where raw air blasts in,
he is wrapped against the chill
in a blanket way too thin.
His narrow back bent over
and his body, so slim,
that his spine protrudes clearly
through the second woollen skin.
Sharp angles through the blanket
show bony knees hugged up.
Bluish fingers, glove-less,
are clenched around a cup.
The wind’s tossing litter
and his stringy pony tail
whips, like the litter,
round his face, so drawn and pale.
His covers are so thin
I long to give him my own,
as shivering with discomfort,
I make for my warm home.
There, no cold air blasts in,
but the image plays its part
and draughty questions whistle
through the murmur in my heart.
Driftwood
Terracotta Press, 2009, paperback, driftwood sculpture photos, 68 pages
This collection moves between the outer world of earthly matters (both natural and unnatural) and the inner worlds of frailty and creativity. It drifts through family matters to love—in many guises.
All proceeds from sales of this book will be used to support WYSE International: World Youth Service and Enterprise (reg. charity no. 1053940). WYSE is a United Nations–recognized NGO that has been running residential programmes for young people from across the globe (more than 100 countries) for the last 20 years. WYSE programmes promote peace by increasing understanding of self and others; bridging cultural and economic barriers; and exploring ways forward towards a positive future for our planet.
Order from AmazonOld Persian Silver Box
Surprising to notice
These nymphs are bare-breasted:
Tripping hand in hand beneath the trees,
Shielded by canopies of leaves.
Silken drapes slipping from their waists,
Are flung in folds across an arm;
Feet raised to measure a lyric pace,
Frowned upon outside this sylvan realm.
Strange that craftsmen long ago
Made this box with cold metallic taste,
Depicting their silver fantasies
Etched within a frame of thorns –
Freedom controlled by curving swords,
Dances that must be obeyed
By women, then and still today,
To dodge the unforgiving blade.
Liquid Strands
Terracotta Press, 2018, paperback, 70 pages
Created especially for friends and family, this book is only available direct from the author. Please contact Carolyn to order a copy.
First Date
(circa 1913 – prelude to grandparents’ 60 years of marriage)
With her hobble skirt,
She wore the new blouse she’d made
From white lawn and lace
That cost a whole week’s wages.
He never knew.
He took her to a restaurant
Where he’d delivered food
For the grocer who employed him.
They dined like kings.
He splashed out his last penny
On a Hansom cab,
To take her home in style.
He said good night,
Then walked the seven miles back
On thin leather, wearing through.
She never knew.
Audio Clips of Selected Poems
Anthology
Touching Margins
Companion Voices for the Journey Blue Moon Group Anthology 2006 (editor & contributor); CD also available
Touching Margins contains poems by well-known and new poets from several countries. It is intended for those approaching the end of life as well as for their families and loved ones. Touching Margins is available on request free of charge.
Song Lyrics
Face On
Dance Umbrella, London, 1982, music by Lindsay Cooper, directed by Sally Potter
Heh, Taxi!
CD, Switzerland, 2001, music by Pierre Jenni
Order Books
Please contact Carolyn Askar to order copies of her books. You can also order Carolyn’s poetry books and Children’s Stories such as The Swans’ Secret at Amazon UK.
