Ian Clarke, who was born and raised in Wisbech, attended the Queens’s Boys School and the Isle of Ely College.
The poems in the book are mostly set in the Fens and the cover shows William Turkey Smart, who was a relative of Ian’s.
The launch will take place at Fenspeak at the Babylon Arts Centre in Ely on September 18. Time to be confirmed.
Fenspeak is Ely’s regular poetry, spoken word and storytelling open mic night where local writers come together to share their work in a friendly environment.
The cover of the book says: “Ian Clarke is a Fenland ex pat poet living in Harrogate, North Yorkshire but his heart is still in the flatlands of East Anglia.
“He has been published widely in various anthologies including: Writers of East Anglia, Contemporary Yorkshire Poetry, and at least twice in Otley Word Feast anthologies, also in Acumen, Envoi and online with Ink, Sweat and Tears.
“Recent publications include A Slow Stirring (Indigo Dreams, 2012) and he has read at the Poetry Café in London.”
Commenting on Staying On, David Mark Williams writes: “‘With these consummate poems, both elegiac and celebratory, Ian Clarke establishes himself unequivocally in the first order of poets.”
And Maggie Butt adds: “Breathtaking images and perfectly chosen words capture the richness of nature and of memory.
“These are elegaic, musical poems of crystal clarity and vision, poems which resurrect the past and hold it in the light.”
Anyone who would like a copy of the book should email ianclarke25@btinternet.com
