2023 was 'a vintage year for city's poetry'

POET Steve Spence has highlighted some of the major collections published in what was a vintage year for Plymouth poetry and is already looking forward to 2024’s output.

Steve, author of several highly praised collections himself, has already lauded Plymouth’s “ever-expanding” poetry scene after an outstanding 2023, and has now compiled a list of key books and pamphlets published by Plymouth-based poets during the past 12 months.

Major publisher Shearsman Books brought out Zenia by Anthony Caleshu, professor of poetry and creative writing at the University of Plymouth, which Steve, a co-organiser of Plymouth Language Club, described as “a collection of poetry related to painting and the visual arts or ‘ekphrasis’ in the terminology”. He added: “As well as producing critical works Anthony has also published several collections of his own poetry of which Zenia is the most recent.”

Melisande Fitzsimons third collection was published by Aquifer Books. Melisande is a French poet resident in Plymouth whose main body of work is in English. “Melisande is a fantastically talented writer whose poetry combines a dreamy surrealism with something much sharper and well-directed,” said Steve, author of the Forward Prize shortlisted A Curious Shipwreck.

“She is a regular figure on the local scene as well as making an impact elsewhere and has been a strong supporter of The Language Club.”