PINS AND NEEDLES
That bed, spread with colour like a Klimt kiss.
We are wrapped in cloth, wrapped in glist.
Bound up with each other. Jigsaw pieces of arms.
You find me down the side of the couch.
You sleep hard on my chest. It only takes a minute .
Your breath in time with my heartbeat, and you sleep.
I watch & guess the light through the blind cracks.
In the steep field opposite cows are sleeping,
huddled together. A warm black and white chin
steams on anothers back.
We are wrapped in purple and gold thread
You wanted to feel royal. My chin against your forehead,
my sleeping arm quite numb & dead, holding round your back.
From 'The Prize' (Rialto) John Siddique 2005
A Portrait of the Poet - John Siddique
It has been said of John Siddique that he is the ideal poet for twenty-first century Britain, coming from an Anglo, Irish, Indian heritage - his writing is direct and human about the world and people of today. His work has been compared to that of TS Elliot and ee cummings, yet his voice is uniquely his own, his passion for sharing literature sees him drawing on the whole tradition of poetry and often creating and working in a whole range of places where you would not think there is a place for art. He has worked in prisons, schools, and hospitals, is involved in promoting regeneration through the creation of public art, and can also be found working within the corporate sphere using literature as a tool for being more effective at work, but also simply adding value to life.
John has published three collections of poetry including one for children, he has also recently written a short play for Radio 3's 'Freethinking' Festival, and co-authored a collection of short stories. He is well known for his captivating readings, and his ability to communicate with all types of audiences opening up the world of poetry and language. He often works with the Arvon Foundation, British Council, The Poetry Society, and The Poetry School and has been a visiting lecturer at Vienna and Manchester Metropolitan Universities.
QUOTES
John Siddique's writing is playful and poignant. It explores the complexities of a fragmented world - of sex, family, loss and dream-life - with such clear-eyed, unsentimental candour that I go back to certain poems time and again for another immersion. He's not afraid of writing about love, its pain and rewards, its sudden, shocking forces and darkly funny epiphanies - and his poems demonstrate a generosity and humanity so often lacking in more brittle, defensive writers.
Catherine Smith (Next Generation Poet)
His knowledge and love of poetry shines through.
Rachel Feldberg - Ilkley Literature Festival
To be in the presence of such an excellent writer reconnects us with our roots.
Nathan Horowitz - Labyrinth - Vienna
John Siddique is a powerful, arresting and provocative new poetic voice, on the page, and off it. He writes with a rare combination of directness, ease, and authority and transports his audience through a gallery of moods and registers in just as wide a range of forms. His work is visceral, sensuous, searing, playful, and deeply moving.
Gavin Wallace - Head of Literature - Scottish Arts Council
John Siddique is one of Britain's most interesting and original poets. He probes the contradictory jumble of contemporary Britain revealing the bravery, contemporary, daily heroism of the urban sprawl that he clearly knows well.
Elizabeth Rosa Horan - Professor of English - Arizona State University
News, Poems, Images and more info at
www.johnsiddique.co.uk
You can buy my book 'The Prize' online from INPRESS
You can read five poems from 'The Prize' and there is a profile of my work on the Poetry International website, available through The Poetry Society or you can link to it here. Also the poem 'Cheap Moisturiser' from the book appears on Life Lines, a CD anthology of poetry for OXFAM, available from all Oxfam Bookshops & larger outlets.
