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

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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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