The Poetry of Brian Bilston

Brian Bilston has been frequently described as the 'Poet Laureate of Twitter.' He remains a poet clouded in mystery. He possesses a Banksy type persona. Very little is known about him other than the fragments of information revealed on social media and through his poetic offerings.

In 2014 he became the first person to retain the title of Pipe Smoker of the Year [Poetry section] and, over the years, he has won numerous awards He won the 2015 Great British Write Off poetry prize for a poem disguised in a Venn diagram.

His first collection of poetry 'You Caught the Last Bus Home' has now been published. Bilston has been described as wordsmith who takes great pride in his use of language, making words dance before the reader's eyes. He is bringing poetry to the masses through social media employing topical, witty, thoughtful and very accessible poetry. Perhaps the most famous of his poems is the powerful message contained in 'Refugee.'

I have just taken receipt of his book and it meets all expectations. As an avid collector of poetry books, this book is a delightful and informative acquisition. I am an avowed Bilston fan.

Bilston's observational take on life is both entertaining and perceptive. You can find out more about the mysterious Brain Bilston by visiting: https://brianbilston.com/category/twittle-poems/

Here are three examples of the Bilston style:

POETIC LICENCE

Not being well-versed

In the world of poetry,

A pastry chef,

By the name of Geoff,

Went to purchase

A poetic licence

In order to surprise

His patrons

With chicken

And mushrhyme pies.

THERE’S A SUPERMARKET WHERE THE LIBRARY ONCE STOOD

There’s a supermarket where the library once stood.

I sometimes forget that it’s now gone for good.

Last week I asked if they had any Flaubert.

A shrug in response. ‘The cheese counter’s there.’

There’s a supermarket where the library had been.

I’ve been reading some Dhal in ‘Indian cuisine’.

No golden tickets, witches or giants, of course;

just chickpeas and lentils in a creamy spiced sauce.

There’s a supermarket where the library once was.

I had tried to hand back an old Grapes of Wrath.

Sorry, they told me, but it’s really too late,

they’ll be shrivelled and well past their best-before-date.

There’s a supermarket where the library once stood.

A Sainsbury’s Local has bulldozed my childhood.

The library had been starved of state funding, I guess.

Take books off the menu and live well for less.

AUTUMN

Life Cycle -A football poem by Bruce Dawe

This poem by Australian poet Bruce Dawe epitomises the unique connection sporting tragics have to their preferred football teams, -an almost tribal allegiance. Each season supporters stare down the twin imposters- victory and defeat. They remain both loyal and hopeful of eventual triumph. This poem refers specifically to Australian Rules Football, but it's themes are universal. I share this poem on the eve of the 2017 Grand Final to decide the Premiership for this football season. My team, the Richmond Tigers have reached the play off to decide the ultimate victor. They have not contested the Grand Final match for 35 years. My hopes fly with them. This poem links two of my great loves -football and poetry... Life Cycle When children are born in Victoria they are wrapped in club-colours, laid in beribboned cots, having already begun a lifetime’s barracking. Carn, they cry, Carn … feebly at first while parents playfully tussle with them for possession of a rusk: Ah, he

Poetry Friday: The Safety Pin Poem

Poets not only write poetry, they also read poetry. In order to be able to write poetry, one must read it. Lots of poetry in fact... I want to share a short little poem by Valerie Worth. I bought Valerie's book, 'All The Small Poems And Fourteen More,' while living and working in New York, some time back. It remains a personal favourite. I love the way the poet shines a special light on everyday objects, transforming them into something unique and worthy of attention. Her close observations elevate her poems into the special category. Each poem in the collection celebrates earthly wonders. From eggs to garbage, from potatoes to pockets, each object is given special attention in the form of short poems employing keen observations. Valerie Worth demonstrates through her poems she totally understands the saying-'ideas exist in things.' The poem I have chosen to share with you (one of my personal favourites) is titled, 'Safety Pin'. S af

Opposite Poems

O pp o s ite P oem s In his book, ' How To Write Poetry,' Paul Janeczko presents the idea of opposite poems. Paul suggests they could also be referred to as antonym poems. This is wordplay and it's fun to try. Here are some examples Paul provides to help us see very clearly how these short little poems work. I think the opposite of chair Is sitting down with nothing there What is the opposite of kind? A goat that butts you from behind Paul Janeczko You will notice the poems are written in rhyming couplets. They can be extended so long as you remember to write in couplets. Paul shows us how this is done. What is the opposite of new? Stale gum that's hard to chew A hot-dog roll as hard as rock Or a soiled and smelly forgotten sock You might notice that some of Paul's opposite Poems begin with a question. The remainder of the poem answer the question posed. Opposite poems are a challenge, but it is a challenge worth trying. Not e

Molly Hogan12 October 2018 at 20:55
Oh, I can see why you're an avowed fan. He's wonderful! So clever and playful, but also deep, or as you said, "perceptive." Thanks so much for the introduction. I think it's going to be the beginning of a beautiful relationship!
laurasalas15 October 2018 at 00:29
Hahaha--awesome! Makes me think of Kenn Nesbitt and Brod Bagert. Thanks for the introduction!
Michelle Kogan17 October 2018 at 11:34
Loved the wordplay/spunky ending in his last poem, thanks Alan!

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