Publications
Poetry Collections
Held
Polygon Books · 2010 · £9.99
This collection explores the complex ways in which people and things are held – both metaphorically and physically – in the world. Through motifs of vessels and containers, the poems investigate the relationships between presence and absence, resilience and fragility. As delicate as they are vivid, the poems in Held resonate with breathtaking emotional power.
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The painterly clarity of these poems is graced by flawless craftsmanship and beauty of language. Tender yet tenacious, they wondrously enfold the fragility of our lives and make the heart soar. Stewart Conn
The Lantern Bearers
Shoestring Press · 2007 · £8.95
Cover artwork: Silvana McLean
The Lantern Bearers begins with birth and motherhood, moves through landscapes and hidden histories, and ends with a sequence on the life and art of the painter Gwen John.
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These poems are like handmade lace, detailed and accurate, carefully constructed with an unswerving eye for detail. The North
Very potent writing: powerful and enjoyable. Other Poetry
The Gift of Light
diehard · 1999 · £4.90
This collections travels from Scotland and Cornwall to Egypt and the memories of war in Europe, and includes poems on Julian of Norwich and WS Graham.
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Ophelia and other poems
Polygon · 1991 · £5
Shortlisted for a Saltire Award for First Book of the Year
A book that ‘dwells on the intimacies of love and friendship… The delicacy of Burns’ attention is matched by the rhythms and spaces of her verse.’
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Her forceful, emotional rhythms are counterpointed by a cool intellect, but her eye is never dispassionate… Burns writes with a painterly richness. Poetry Wales
…her vision is sharp and clear and full of power; she shows us what we might otherwise have missed. Northlight
