Dissecting the personal and the political with scalpel-wielding precision, Inua Ellams dishes up 55 poems that thrum with an energy that will wake you and shake your bones. This collection, written on his phone in stolen moments has an immediacy that can be often be found lacking, and with every title beginning ‘Fuck / …’ there is a middle-fingered salute to much of what we have grown to think is ‘normal’. This is a rallying cry form a poet at the top of his game and if you ever get the chance to see him read, then do. I saw him as part of a panel alongside yesterday's creative powerhouse, Karine Polwart and lyrical genius Hamish Hawk and left hugely inspired and brimful of wonder. You can find out more and order books from Inua’s website here.
Fuck / Empire II by Inua Ellams