Saturday 20 April 2024

Launching Fire and Bees


V. Press is very very delighted to announce the launch of Fire and Bees, a poetry chapbook by Bethan Rees.

“Fires both real and metaphorical crackle through this exciting new collection by Bethan Rees, and its pages hum and crawl with insect life. These poems are hard-hitting and poignant; exploring themes of class, loss, mental health and the way familial trauma is passed on from one generation to the next. Rees’ work is surreal and compelling – an exciting new voice in the poetry world.” Julia Webb

Fire and Bees darts with unexpected twists and edges, projecting its imagination into past, present and future, with themes of family, relationship and corporeal sensitivity. Mirroring the very nature of poetry, thresholds between the interior and exterior of bodies feel permeable, with recurring images of stings and syringes pricking the skin. Rees’ work is quick-witted and blazing.” Claire Williamson

Fire and Bees is very intense and very reflective, like the burning memories we carry. 

ISBN: 978-1-7394122-2-7
32 pages
R.R.P. £6.99

A sample poem can be enjoyed below.

BUY FIRE AND BEES NOW using the paypal options below. 

Fire and Bees (with p&p options)

N.B. Any international customs/duty charges are the buyer's responsibility.


Stitches

I need to let you know what
I’ve done in my life.
The journeys I’ve been on.
The people I have met
that you might have hated
or loved.
Sitting in the parlour, I take
thread from Gran’s biscuit tin
come sewing kit.
I’m telling you my story through
my skin. Stitching my narrative into
the body you gave me.
The thread slides through my palm
and the pull of the needle is guided
by your spirit.
I want to let you know what you want
to know. And hopefully you’ll feel this too.
I create an aeroplane with black cord
and flesh. But from your perspective it looks more
like a bird.






So, I start to stitch a bird, because I think
that’s what you want me to do.


LAUNCHES

20 April 2024 - London

Fire and Bees will be officially launched in London today (20 April 2024) at the Free Verse Poetry Book and Magazine Fair 2024.

This free all-day (11.30am - 6.30pm) event takes place at St Columba’s, SW1X 0BD. More information can be found on the flier below or at The Poetry Society: https://poetrysociety.org.uk/projects/free-verse-poetry-book-and-magazine-fair/.



9 May 2024 - Brixham

Join Bethan Rees at Golden Lion, Brixham on Thursday, 9 May 2024, 8pm, for the launch of Fire and Bees! 🐝πŸ”₯

πŸ“ Location: Golden Lion, 65 New Road, Brixham

All poetry lovers welcome! Listen to Bethan read from her debut chapbook Fire and Bees and experience an open mic poetry session – share your own poetry or simply enjoy the spoken word.  (To secure your open mic spot, email brixhampoetry@gmail.com or sign up on the night.)

Admission is free! Copies of  Fire and Bees available for £6.99. Your support is valued whether you purchase or not.

Featuring MC Robert Garnham, Professor of Whimsy. Mark your calendars and spread the word! Let's celebrate the joy of poetry together.



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