FORDING THE STREAM – by Margaret Royall writing as Jessica De Guyat
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Fording The Stream is available as paperback and Kindle edition via these links:
paperback: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fording-Stream-Collection-Jessica-Guyat/dp/1549777491 Price £4.99
Kindle: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fording-Stream-Collection-Jessica-Guyat-ebook/dp/B075QMMLY1 Price £1.99
This 1st collection was published on Amazon in September 2017 under a pen name, Jessica De Guyat ( a combination of old family names).
It contains many mystical, magical poems written on the Isle of Iona in the Inner Hebrides, Scotland, during my first few writing retreats with Angela Locke MA as tutor. Some were also written during weekend writing retreats at Rydal Hall, near Grasmere in the Lake District, close to the home of William Wordworth ( Rydal Mount)
On the Iona retreat we explore the island and its heritage, visiting the famous Abbey of St Columba, the ruined nunnery, the Heritage Centre and the wonderful unspoilt beaches there. Many of these poems were written in response to daily prompts given to us.
Sample poem
THE ENDANGERED CORNCRAKE
Hidden deep within the swathes of waving corn
The secret caller plods with clumsy gait
The first weak rays of sun break through at dawn
With croaking voice he pleads to find a mate
As Summer’s haze obscures the fields from view
We sometimes hear far off the desperate call
And hidden from prying eyes we search in vain
For fleeting feathers beneath a drystone wall
Iona fears the species may be lost,
To save these birds she gravely warns us all
we must take action now or bear the cost
And never hear again this shy bird’s call
Reviews: 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Top reviews from United Kingdom
5.0 out of 5 stars Like dipping into a box of chocolates for a personal …
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 December 2017
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Evocative. Transports the reader to distant places, seasons, emotions. Like dipping into a box of chocolates for a personal treat.
Helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Unusual collection of very readable poems
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 October 2017
This collection of poetry showcases a varied selection of verse. I was really impressed by the poet’s talent for evocative descriptions of a place, whether the wild and haunting scenery of a remote island or a hot sunny day at a French pavement cafe, In the romantic verses sadness and sorrow are represented as well as delightful humour. There is something here for all tastes and I think it would be a superb choice to give to a thoughtful friend. I know I will come back to it again and again.
Foreword in book
‘Jessica de Guyat’s distinctive voice echoes through these powerful poems. From the dreamy landscape of a February day, so powerfully evoked, to the angst of dating hazards, her words are interlaced with humour and vision. This is a writer who has lived life richly, grief and joy intermingled, as she journeys towards a deep understanding of the real world and the numinous.’
Angela Locke MA
Poet and novelist; author of ‘Whale Language: Songs of Iona’ ‘Dreams of the Blue Poppy’, ‘On Juniper Mountain……. and many more
My Micro-chapbook ‘ Singing The Earth Awake’
published by Hedgehog Poetry Press October 2019 as part ot their Stickleback series.
My Micro-pamphlet ‘Singing The Earth Awake’
Published by Hedgehog Poetry Press Oct 2019 in their Stickleback series
This mini pamphlet contains 4 poems which have been long or shortlisted for poetry competition prizes. The topics are all nature related.
To purchase signed copied from me the price is £3 to include p&p. Ask for outside the U.K. please
PayPal.Me/MargaretRoyall
If you would like to buy this alongside my memoir or new poetry collection due out soon then Memoir plus pamphlet is £13 (inc p&p)
Price of new poetry collection ‘Where Flora Sings’ tba soon.
Margaret Royall 