The poetry of Emilie Collyer in her latest book ‘Do You Have Anything Less Domestic'(Vagabond Press 2022) takes the reader on a journey; we are the silent observer of her private life: an alcoholic father, the trials of step-parenting; the invasiveness of cancer – Emilie is the kind of wonderful writer who puts it all on the line. She shares everything with the reader in a way that makes you want to weep and laugh at the same time.

‘If I live long enough
I might die in this room.
will I be embarrassed-
slack-mouthed corpse, dust pool corners?
If I’d known you were coming I’d have tidied up’.
‘Cocoon’.

The book is sectioned under headings, four of which were personally directed to Emilie : ‘Do You Have Anything Less Domestic’; Don’t write about Your Family, Nobody Cares’; ‘It’s Important To Keep Up Weight-Bearing exercise’; ‘You have a Nice Smile, You Should Use It More Often’ and she responds brilliantly with the ensuing poems.

Unravelling the storylines and putting the pieces together. I admire Emilie’s syntax, rhythm, imagery and her ability to say so much with so little. She humbles me with her writing and I read and re-read her poems, finding something new each time.
The fifth ‘chapter’ ‘I Hope I Won’t Put Anyone Off By Saying This Is Genuinely Feminist’ is a powerful collection of poetry, some inspired by stories of classical women – Gunnlod, Penelope, Elektra, the Furies (female chthonic deities of vengeance in ancient Greek religion and mythology).

Three poems (Norgs, Old Blood, Oncology)explore the discovery and onset of breast cancer – a survivor’s story. Glimpses of the emotional journey and the physical.  I applaud these true poets who lay out their lives before us like a sacrificial offering.

I love Emilie’s feminist writing and envy her ability. She is an inspiring writer with many poems and plays under her professional belt. You can read more about her https://www.emiliecollyer.com/about
Purchase ‘Do You Have AnyThing Less Domestic?’ published by Vagabond Press 2022. IBSN9781925735406

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